Breaking out is a term that is often used in different contexts. It can refer to a physical action, a mental state, or a social phenomenon. Understanding the meaning and origin of this term can help us better comprehend its various associations and connotations.
Definitions
Breaking out can be defined as an act of escaping from confinement or restriction. It can also mean to burst forth suddenly or to erupt in a rash or other skin condition. Moreover, breaking out can refer to a sudden and significant increase in something, such as a breakout of violence or a breakout of laughter.
Origin
The term breaking out has its roots in the Old English word ‘breacan,’ which means to break or burst. Over time, the term evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings, including the ones mentioned above.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, breaking out means to emerge or escape suddenly. The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as to start suddenly or to become covered in spots or a rash. The Oxford English Dictionary describes it as to burst forth or to become visible or apparent.
Associations
Breaking out can be associated with various actions or emotions, such as breaking out of prison, breaking out of a bad habit, breaking out in laughter, or breaking out in tears. It can also be associated with sudden and unexpected events, such as a breakout of a disease or a breakout of war.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of breaking out include erupting, bursting, emerging, appearing, and manifesting.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of breaking out include containing, suppressing, repressing, and concealing.
The same root words
Some words that share the same root as breaking out include break, breach, and broken.
Example Sentences
- The prisoner managed to break out of his cell and escape from the jail.
- I always break out in hives when I eat shellfish.
- The volcano suddenly erupted, breaking out in a shower of ash and lava.
- The comedian’s jokes were so funny that the audience broke out in laughter.
- The protest turned violent, and a breakout of clashes between the police and the demonstrators occurred.