The phrase "broke out" refers to something that suddenly and unexpectedly happens or occurs. The spelling of this phrase follows the standard English spelling rules. "Broke" is spelled with a silent "e" at the end, which indicates the present tense of "break" and is pronounced as [broʊk]. "Out" is pronounced as [aʊt], which is a diphthong sound made up of the vowel sounds "ah" and "oo". Putting them together, "broke out" is pronounced as [broʊk aʊt].
The phrasal verb "broke out" has multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Here, we will define it in the sense of sudden events or occurrences:
1. To Escape or Emerge: "Broke out" can refer to people or things escaping from a confined or controlled space. It describes the act of breaking free suddenly, emerging, or fleeing. For example, "The prisoners broke out of jail" or "Violence broke out in the city."
2. To Begin Suddenly: "Broke out" can also mean the sudden occurrence or onset of an event or phenomenon. It implies an unexpected or uncontrolled eruption or start. For instance, "A fire broke out in the building" or "War broke out between the two countries."
3. To Develop or Manifest: "Broke out" can describe the transformation, eruption, or appearance of a condition, characteristic, or disease. It suggests the sudden occurrence, outbreak, or manifestation of something. For example, "She broke out in hives after eating peanuts" or "The artist's talent broke out in his latest painting."
Overall, "broke out" primarily conveys suddenness and the breaking free or emergence of something, whether it is physical, such as people escaping, events beginning, or conditions manifesting. The phrase emphasizes the unexpected and immediate nature of the occurrence, creating a sense of urgency or surprise.
The phrase "broke out" originated from Old English, where "brecan" meant "to break" and "ūt" meant "out". Over time, the combination of these two words to form "broke out" came to mean "to escape" or "to burst forth".