English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word "break out" in English

What does "break out" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

break out

US /breɪk aʊt/
UK /breɪk aʊt/
"break out" picture

Phrasal Verb

1.

to escape from a prison or other place of confinement

Example:
•
Three prisoners broke out of the maximum-security prison last night.
•
The animals broke out of their enclosure.
Synonym:
escapefleeabscondboltbreak free
2.

to start suddenly (of a war, fire, disease, etc.)

Example:
•
A fire broke out in the old factory building.
•
War broke out in the region.
Synonym:
eruptflare upcommencestartbegin
3.

to develop a skin rash or spots

Example:
•
She broke out in a rash after eating the shellfish.
•
He tends to break out in sweats when he's nervous.
Synonym:
eruptdevelopappearmanifest
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Related Word:
breakbreak-inbreak intobreak inbreak withhave a breakbreak up