noun

outbreak

outbreak, eruption, epidemic

Health officials are monitoring the flu outbreak.

Health officials are monitoring the flu outbreak.

The war began with the outbreak of hostilities.

The war began with the outbreak of hostilities.

an outbreak of ((sth.)) a sudden start of something unpleasant There was an outbreak of flu.

Synonyms: epidemic, eruption, flare-up, upsurge

From the verb 'to break out'. It describes a sudden occurrence of something unwelcome, like a disease or war.

Imagine a disease 'breaking out' of its container and spreading suddenly.

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