breɪk aʊt
neutral
intermediate
- Base verb:
- break
- Particle:
- out
- Separable:
- Yes
What does "break out" mean?
- To start suddenly (war, fire, disease, fighting)
- To escape from a place
- To suddenly develop a skin condition like spots or rash
- To bring out something special
Examples
- Fighting broke out between the two groups.
- Three prisoners broke out of the maximum-security prison.
- I always break out in spots when I'm stressed.
- Let's break out the champagne to celebrate!
- A fire broke out in the warehouse last night.
How to use it
'Outbreak' (noun) refers to a sudden occurrence, especially of disease or violence. 'Break out in' is used for skin conditions (rash, sweat, spots).
Word order
For sudden events: not separable. For bringing out something: separable ('break the champagne out').
Similar expressions
start
erupt
escape
develop
produce
Opposites
end
stop
contain
imprison
Related phrasal verbs
- break up
To end a romantic relationship
- break down
To stop working or functioning (machines, vehicles)
- break into
To enter a building illegally by force
- break in
To enter a building illegally, usually by force
- break through
To force a way through a barrier or obstacle
- break off
To separate a piece from something by breaking
Use it in a practice answer
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