break out
B1 neutral mixed both
In simple words
to get out, start fast, or suddenly appear
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
neutral
to escape from a place such as prison or confinement
"Three inmates broke out during the night."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1
idiomatic
neutral
to start suddenly, especially of war, fire, disease, or violence
"A fire broke out in the market just after dawn."
"War broke out in Europe."
— common historical phrasing in news and history writing; exact single source not specified
Grammar: inseparable
3 B2
idiomatic
neutral
to suddenly develop spots or a rash on the skin
"He broke out in red patches after eating shellfish."
Grammar: inseparable
4 B2
idiomatic
informal
to take something out for use or display
"We broke out the good plates for the holiday meal."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Very common across news, everyday speech, and health contexts. Meaning depends on the subject.
Commonly used with
war fire prison rash violence laughter
Forms
Base
break out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
breaks out
he/she/it
Past simple
broke out
yesterday
Past participle
broken out
have + pp
-ing form
breaking out
continuous
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