Outbreak Meaning and Definition
Outbreak
Pronunciation
/ˈɒtˌbraʊk/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A sudden and unexpected occurrence of disease caused by a microorganism, virus, or other infectious agent, that spreads rapidly and threatens the health and well-being of a person, group, or community.
Examples
- The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused significant disruption to global trade and economy.
- The rapid response team intervened to contain the outbreak of measles in the rural area.
- The government issued a warning about the outbreak of cholera in the affected regions.
- The medical team worked tirelessly to treat the patients affected by the outbreak.
- The epidemic spread rapidly, causing widespread deaths and illnesses, and subsequently known as an outbreak.
Etymology
The word ‘outbreak’ originated from the Old Norse word ‘Út-brekki’, meaning ‘to break out’ or ‘to burst forth’, and has been used in English since the 15th century to describe sudden and unexpected events.
Usage Notes
When using the term ‘outbreak’, it’s essential to use it in a context that accurately describes the sudden and unexpected occurrence of disease or other infectious agent. Avoid using the term loosely or to describe a gradual spread of disease.
Cultural References
Outbreak has been featured prominently in various films, television shows, and literature, including the 1995 film “Outbreak” starring Dustin Hoffman and the popular TV show “Outbreak” (2016-2018).
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Outbreak of the disease” or “outbreak of violence” are common idiomatic expressions.
Related Words or Phrases
- Epidemic
- Pandemic
- Infection
Collocations
- Sudden outbreak
- Global outbreak
- Outbreak of disease
Frequency of Use
The term ‘outbreak’ has become increasingly common in recent years due to the rise in global health threats and infectious diseases.
Common Misspellings
Outbreak is often misspelled as ‘outbreake’, ‘out brake’, or ‘out break’, but it’s essential to use the correct spelling to ensure accurate communication.