Phrasal Verb - Breaking out
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.Definition
The phrasal verb 'break out' is a highly versatile expression with several distinct meanings, largely centered around the concept of sudden commencement or emergence. Most commonly, it signifies the abrupt beginning of something, often undesirable or intense, such as a fire, a war, a riot, or an epidemic. In this context, it implies a sudden, often uncontrolled, and sometimes widespread start. Another prominent use refers to the act of escaping from a place of confinement, such as a prison, a camp, or any restricted area, emphasizing a forceful or surreptitious departure. Additionally, 'break out' is frequently used to describe the sudden appearance or development of a skin condition, like a rash, pimples, or a sweat. Less frequently, it can also mean to suddenly produce or begin to use something, often for a special occasion, such as 'breaking out the champagne,' although 'bringing out' or 'getting out' might be more common in some of these instances. Its core semantic range covers sudden beginnings, escapes, and physical manifestations.
Examples
| No. | Example |
|---|---|
| 1 | A massive fire broke out in the old warehouse district last night, causing extensive damage. |
| 2 | War threatened to break out between the two rival nations after the border dispute escalated. |
| 3 | A highly contagious flu virus broke out in the city, leading to widespread school closures. |
| 4 | The notorious gangster managed to break out of the maximum-security prison during a transfer. |
| 5 | She tends to break out in an itchy rash whenever she eats food containing shellfish. |
| 6 | An unexpected argument broke out among the committee members during the heated debate. |
| 7 | He always breaks out in a cold sweat before giving a presentation to a large audience. |
| 8 | If tensions continue to rise, civil unrest could easily break out in the capital. |
| 9 | The local health authorities confirmed that a measles outbreak had broken out at the elementary school. |
| 10 | When the rain started, we decided to break out the board games and have an indoor evening. |