phrasal verb 'break out'
Phrasal verbMain meaning
break out
[breɪk aʊt]
to start suddenly (fire, war, disease)

Other meanings

  • to escape from confinement
  • (of skin) to erupt in spots or a rash
  • to bring something out for a special occasion

Example Sentences Using the Phrasal Verb "break out"

  • The fire broke out in the warehouse at dawn.
  • Several prisoners broke out during the storm.
  • I always break out in hives after eating shellfish.
  • Let’s break out the champagne to celebrate.

Features of Using "break out"

Separability:Optionally separable Transitivity:Intransitive Level:B2 Verb:break Particle:out

Most uses are intransitive; the transitive sense (“break out something”) is separable and means “bring out / use for a special moment.”

Other phrasal verbs with the verb break

crying

break down

stop functioning
broken-heart

break up

end a romantic relationship
burglar

break in

to enter a building illegally
break apart

break apart

to fall into separate pieces
break through

break through

force a way past a barrier or obstacle