Phrasal verb
break out
Definition
phrasal verb. to start suddenly, especially something dangerous or unpleasant like a war, a fire, or a disease.
phrasal verb. To begin suddenly and often violently. This sense is intransitive and typically describes the onset of conflict, fire, or epidemics.
Examples
“A fire broke out in the kitchen last night.”
“Fighting broke out between the two groups after the meeting ended in an argument.”
“As diplomatic negotiations collapsed, fears grew that a full-scale conflict would break out across the border.”
Examples
simple
“A fire broke out in the kitchen last night.”
contextual
“Fighting broke out between the two groups after the meeting ended in an argument.”
complex
“As diplomatic negotiations collapsed, fears grew that a full-scale conflict would break out across the border.”
Usage
Usually describes negative events like war, fire, or illness starting unexpectedly.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'start' or 'begin'; 'break out' implies a sudden, often uncontrollable eruption of an event.
Pitfall
A war was broken out.
A war broke out.
This sense of 'break out' is intransitive and cannot be used in the passive voice.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
break + out
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/break-out