Search
Select the dictionary language
to break out
[phrase form: break]
01
to free oneself from a place that one is being held against their will, such as a prison
Intransitive
Examples
The prisoners attempted to break out during the night.
The movie showcased a dramatic plot of prisoners trying to break out.
02
(of an infectious disease) to start and spread within a community
Intransitive
Transitive: to break out a disease
Examples
The virus broke out in the densely populated city.
The unsupervised food handling broke out cases of foodborne illnesses.
03
(of a war, fight, or other unwelcome occurrence) to start suddenly
Intransitive
Examples
Violence broke out during the protest, leading to chaos.
A fight broke out at the bar, resulting in police intervention.
04
to start to have pimples or a rash, typically on the face
Intransitive
Examples
Make sure to remove your makeup; otherwise, you might break out.
I never used to break out until I started a new medication.
05
to take something out of storage and bring it into use
Transitive: to break out sth
Examples
She broke out her favorite board game for the family.
The school broke out the sports equipment for the tournament.
