Definition

To burn completely or to be consumed by fire; also means to burn more intensely than something else.

Example

The campfire began to outburn the surrounding trees, creating a bright glow in the night.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see how that campfire outburned the one we had last week?

Yeah, it was huge and so bright!

I guess we should make sure the next one can outburn it too.

Definitely! The bigger the fire, the better the night.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Outburn → It is formed from "out-" (meaning beyond or outside) and "burn" (from Old English "byrnian", meaning to consume with fire). The word "outburn" means to burn beyond or more intensely than something else.

Memory Tip

Think of burning something 'beyond' ('out-') the usual intensity — that's why outburn means to burn more intensely.

Visually Confused Words