break out
phrasal verb·1 sense·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.
“War broke out in 1939.”
“A fire broke out in the kitchen.”
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.
Test yourself
“War broke out in 1939.” 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 up
A contrast learners often mix up
Break into pieces; End a relationship or gathering
act out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Perform a scene, story, or plan with actions; Express feelings through aggressive or attention-seeking behaviour
bail out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Rescue someone, especially financially
bear out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Provide evidence that confirms what someone has said
blast out
Same out pattern: becoming clear
Play music extremely loudly through speakers
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: becoming clear
Suddenly start crying, laughing or shouting; Say something suddenly and forcefully; Leave a place suddenly and forcefully; (of a sound or song) suddenly begin loudly
Tell it apart
Side-by-side comparisons with the verbs learners most often confuse for “break out”.
Practice “break out” in Sink In
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