break out

break something out (of something)

to remove something from something else by force. Carefully, she broke the gemstone out of the side of the rock face. She broke the gemstone out carefully.

See also: break, out

break out (of something)

1. Lit. to escape from something, often by destructive means, especially from prison. The convicts plotted to break out of prison. You don't have the guts to break out of jail!

2. Fig. to escape from something in one's life that is too confining. I was 16 years old when I finally broke out of my rigid upbringing. She just couldn't break out of her old patterns of behavior.

See also: break, out

break out 

1. to burst forth suddenly, as with a fire, a riot, giggling, shouting, etc. A fire broke out in the belfry. A round of giggling broke out when the teacher tripped.

2. Sl. to leave. It's late, man. Time to break out. We broke out a little after midnight.

3. Go to break out (in pimples); break out (of something); break out (with something).

See also: break, out

break out (in pimples)

to erupt with something such as a rash, a cold sweat, or pimples. After being in the woods, I broke out in a rash. I think it's poison ivy. I hate to break out like that. Whenever I eat chocolate, I break out in pimples the next day.

See also: break, out

break out (with a rash)

[for the skin] to erupt with pimples, hives, or lesions, from a specific disease such as measles, chicken pox, rubella, etc. Nick and Dan broke out with chicken pox. They both broke out at the same time.

See also: break, out

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break out

1. to begin suddenly and with force A fight broke out in the dance club.

Usage notes: usually used to describe a fight, argument, or war

2. to escape from a place or a situation Two inmates broke out of prison and are still at large.

Usage notes: often used with of, as in the example

3. to suddenly have spots on the skin Detergents make the skin on my hands break out.

See also: break, out

break out something also break something out

to make food or drink available Break out the champagne and drink to the couple's health!

See also: break, out