ballistic
Americanadjective
-
of or relating to ballistics.
-
having its motion determined or describable by the laws of exterior ballistics.
idioms
adjective
-
of or relating to ballistics
-
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
-
(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
-
informal to become enraged or frenziedly violent
-
(of materials) strong enough to resist damage by projectile weapons
ballistic nylon
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of ballistic
First recorded in 1765–75; ballist(a) + -ic
Explanation
The adjective ballistic describes the flight of an object through space. It usually applies to projectiles like bullets or rockets that are fired from weapons. If you’re in the path of a ballistic missile, get out of the way! A ballistic missile is guided only when it’s first launched. After that its flight is subject to the law of gravity. The word comes from a Roman weapon called a ballista, which chucked rocks into the air, whose name comes from the Greek for "throw." If someone has “gone ballistic,” they're crazy with anger. When you go ballistic, you’re just like an unmanned missile: you fly into a fit of rage and lose control over your feelings or actions.
Vocabulary lists containing ballistic
John F. Kennedy's Address to the American People on the Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Launch of Sputnik 1
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Vocabulary: A Rapper's Delight!
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Analysts estimate Iran has hundreds to thousands of ballistic missiles, and U.S. and regional officials believe it has resumed production of ballistic missiles in limited numbers using stockpiled components and working in underground facilities.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 23, 2026
The government in Kyiv first said it was caught off-guard last week, when a wave of ballistic missiles and fast-moving attack drones slammed into the capital and elsewhere before air raid sirens could sound.
From Barron's ● Oct. 19, 2026
A Conflict Armament Research report shows Houthi militants are trying to make advanced medium-range ballistic missiles using Chinese-delivered parts.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026
The Saudi-led military coalition said a ballistic missile had been intercepted and destroyed.
From BBC ● Oct. 13, 2026
“These are ballistic level-three glass-clad polycarbonate windows, and the bathroom walls are reinforced steel with armor plating. If things go pear-shaped, that’s where you hide.”
From "City Spies" by James Ponti
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
