break out: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  globalneutral
  • To escape from a place of confinement or restraint.

  Examples

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  • The prisoners planned to break out under the cover of darkness, hoping to avoid the guards’ patrols.

    The prisoners planned to break out under the cover of darkness, hoping to avoid the guards’ patrols.

  • Did the cat manage to break out of the carrier while we were unloading the car?

    Did the cat manage to break out of the carrier while we were unloading the car?

  • If anyone tries to break out of the quarantine zone, the authorities will be alerted immediately.

    If anyone tries to break out of the quarantine zone, the authorities will be alerted immediately.

• 2.

  globalneutral
  • To begin or erupt suddenly, especially of violence, conflict, a fire, or an epidemic.

  Examples

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  • Violence suddenly broke out in the streets after the controversial verdict was announced.

    Violence suddenly broke out in the streets after the controversial verdict was announced.

  • Will a war break out if the negotiations fail to reach an agreement soon?

    Will a war break out if the negotiations fail to reach an agreement soon?

  • The fire broke out just after midnight, forcing all the residents to evacuate their homes.

    The fire broke out just after midnight, forcing all the residents to evacuate their homes.

• 3.

  globalneutral
  • To develop a sudden physical symptom on the skin or body, such as a rash, spots, or an illness (often used with 'in' or 'with').

  Examples

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  • He broke out in a rash after eating some shellfish, and had to see a doctor immediately.

    He broke out in a rash after eating some shellfish, and had to see a doctor immediately.

  • Do you usually break out with hives when you come into contact with that detergent?

    Do you usually break out with hives when you come into contact with that detergent?

  • She broke out in spots just before the wedding, which made her very anxious.

    She broke out in spots just before the wedding, which made her very anxious.

• 4.

  globalinformal
  • To begin to express or display something spontaneously, as in bursting into song, laughter, or tears.

  Examples

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  • When the comedian told the punchline, the entire audience broke out in laughter.

    When the comedian told the punchline, the entire audience broke out in laughter.

  • At the surprise announcement, she broke out in tears of joy that moved everyone in the room.

    At the surprise announcement, she broke out in tears of joy that moved everyone in the room.

  • Without warning, the crowd broke out into song, filling the stadium with music.

    Without warning, the crowd broke out into song, filling the stadium with music.

• 5.

  globalinformal
  • To bring out or release an item for use or consumption, especially something kept for a special occasion (e.g., a bottle or reserve).

  Examples

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  • For their anniversary, they broke out the vintage champagne that had been saved for years.

    For their anniversary, they broke out the vintage champagne that had been saved for years.

  • We should break out the good china for tonight’s dinner party; it’s a special occasion.

    We should break out the good china for tonight’s dinner party; it’s a special occasion.

  • When the guests arrived, he broke out the reserve whiskey to celebrate properly.

    When the guests arrived, he broke out the reserve whiskey to celebrate properly.

• 6.

  globalinformal
  • To appear or be featured widely or conspicuously across media or places.

  Examples

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  • The new artist’s songs quickly broke out across radio stations, becoming an instant hit.

    The new artist’s songs quickly broke out across radio stations, becoming an instant hit.

  • After the scandal, his name broke out in every headline and social media post.

    After the scandal, his name broke out in every headline and social media post.

  • The breakthrough technology broke out into mainstream awareness almost overnight.

    The breakthrough technology broke out into mainstream awareness almost overnight.