break out

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Explanation of "Break Out"

Definition:
The phrasal verb "break out" has several meanings, but it generally refers to something starting suddenly or escaping from a confined space.

Common Meanings:

1. To become raw or open:
   When someone's skin "breaks out," it means they develop spots, rashes, or other skin irritations.

   • Example: "He broke out in hives after eating nuts."
   • Usage: This meaning is often used in medical or health contexts.

2. To escape suddenly:
   "Break out" can also mean to escape from a place, like a prison or a stable.

   • Example: "The horses broke out of the stable during the storm."
   • Usage: This meaning is commonly used when talking about animals or people escaping from confinement.

3. To start suddenly, often with intensity:
   This meaning refers to something beginning abruptly, usually in a dramatic or intense way, like a fight or an argument.

   • Example: "He broke out shouting when he heard the news."
   • Usage: This can be used in emotional or intense situations.

4. To begin suddenly (often with positive connotations):
   In some contexts, it can refer to peace or joy that starts suddenly.

   • Example: "After the conflict ended, peace broke out in the region."
   • Usage: This is often used in historical or social contexts.

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "break out" can also reference events like wars or crises that start suddenly and often violently.
- Example: "A riot broke out in the city after the controversial decision."

Word Variants:

• Breakout (noun): Refers to a sudden escape or a sudden increase in activity or success.
  • Example: "The breakout of the prisoners was unexpected."
• Breaking out (verb phrase): The present continuous form can describe an ongoing action.
  • Example: "They are breaking out of the routine with new ideas."

Synonyms:

• Escape
• Erupt
• Burst out
• Start suddenly

Idioms and Related Phrasal Verbs:

• Break out in a cold sweat: To suddenly feel very nervous or scared.
  • Example: "I broke out in a cold sweat when I realized I forgot my speech."
• Break out the ice: To initiate conversation or interaction in a social setting.
  • Example: "Let's break out the ice with some fun games at the party."

Summary:

"Break out" is a versatile phrasal verb that can describe situations ranging from skin irritations to dramatic escapes and sudden events.

Academic

Verb

1. become raw or open
   • He broke out in hives
   • My skin breaks out when I eat strawberries
   • Such boils tend to recrudesce
2. take from stowage in preparation for use
3. move away or escape suddenly
   • The horses broke from the stable
   • Three inmates broke jail
   • Nobody can break out--this prison is high security
4. begin suddenly and sometimes violently
   • He broke out shouting
5. start abruptly
   • After 1989, peace broke out in the former East Bloc

Synonyms

• erupt
• recrudesce
• break
• break away