break out
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle out
Meanings
(of war, fire or disease)Start suddenly
Why “out”? Something comes into the open. People can see it, know it, or understand it.
“A war broke out between the two countries.”
“A fire broke out in the kitchen.”
Escape from a locked or guarded place
Why “out”? Movement goes from inside to outside.
“Two prisoners broke out during the night.”
“The dog broke out of the garden through a hole.”
Don't confuse with
Break out means start suddenly. Break up means end a relationship or meeting.
Break out means start suddenly. Break down means stop working.
Break out means an event such as a fire or war starts suddenly. Break into means a person suddenly begins an action.
Test yourself
“A war broke out between the two countries.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
break down
A contrast learners often mix up
(of a vehicle or machine) stop working; Lose emotional control and start crying; Separate something into smaller parts to understand it; (of negotiations or relationships) fail or end; Force a door open by hitting it; Decompose into simpler chemical substances
break into
A contrast learners often mix up
Enter a building or vehicle illegally by force; Suddenly begin an action or strong expression
break up
A contrast learners often mix up
Break into pieces; End a relationship or gathering
bear out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Provide evidence that confirms what someone has said
bring out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Make a quality or feature more obvious; Publish or launch a new product; Cause a particular response or behaviour in someone; Take something out of a container or place to show it; Encourage a shy person to be more confident
burst out
Same out pattern: departure
Suddenly start laughing, crying, or making another strong sound; Say something suddenly and forcefully; Leave a place suddenly and forcefully; (of a sound or song) Suddenly begin loudly
call out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Shout something loudly or summon services
check out
Same out pattern: departure
Leave a hotel after paying; Look at or examine
Tell it apart
Side-by-side comparisons with the verbs learners most often confuse for “break out”.
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