# break out

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/break-out
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to start suddenly, especially something dangerous or unpleasant like a war, a fire, or a disease.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "A war was broken out." but "A war broke out." — This sense of 'break out' is intransitive and cannot be used in the passive voice.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.