ballistic

American  

[buh-lis-tik] / bəˈlɪs tɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to ballistics.

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

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idioms

1. go ballistic, to become overwrought or irrational.

   went ballistic over the idea of a tax hike.

ballistic British  

/ 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

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ballistic More Idioms  

1. see go ballistic.

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Other Word Forms

• ballistically adverb

Etymology

Origin of ballistic

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

Example Sentences

The shortest route for Russian surface-launched ballistic missiles to North America is over the Arctic.

From The Wall Street Journal

In 2021, Kim had presented weapons modernization goals including developing tactical nuclear warheads and intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.

From The Wall Street Journal

Specifically, the region hosts a major Rocket Force base that manages a network of regional ballistic missiles.

From The Wall Street Journal

Tehran has so far refused to discuss its ballistic missile programme with US officials.

From BBC

She was shown inspecting North Korea's latest intercontinental ballistic missile while holding her father's hand.

From BBC