ballistic

[buh-lis-tik]

adjective

1. of or relating to ballistics.

2. having its motion determined or describable by the laws of exterior ballistics.

ballistic

/ bəˈlɪstɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to ballistics

2. denoting or relating to the flight of projectiles after power has been cut off, moving under their own momentum and the external forces of gravity and air resistance

3. (of a measurement or measuring instrument) depending on a brief impulse or current that causes a movement related to the quantity to be measured

   a ballistic pendulum

4. informal,  to become enraged or frenziedly violent

5. (of materials) strong enough to resist damage by projectile weapons

   ballistic nylon

Other Word Forms

• ballistically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of ballistic¹

First recorded in 1765–75; ballist(a) + -ic

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. go ballistic, to become overwrought or irrational.

   went ballistic over the idea of a tax hike.

see go ballistic.

Example Sentences

The Russian Defense Ministry said it used Kinzhal ballistic missiles and drones to strike energy infrastructure and warehouses storing long-range drones in western Ukraine.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Chinese leader Xi Jinping for the first time showcased China’s nuclear triad—its land, sea and air-launched ballistic nuclear missiles—at a Beijing parade honoring the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan in September.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The official also said the attack showed how "the Russians have started using significantly more ballistic missiles".

Read more on Barron's

The agent’s clothing was stained with the victim’s blood, and ballistic evidence indicated he had fired a weapon, authorities say.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Russia launched vast numbers of ballistic missiles at Ukraine in October - some 268 in all, the highest monthly total since the full-scale invasion, according to analysis published by the Oboz news site.

Read more on BBC