blowup
Americannoun
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an explosion.
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a violent argument, outburst of temper, or the like, especially one resulting in estrangement.
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Also blow-up an enlargement of a photograph.
Etymology
Origin of blowup
First recorded in 1800–10; noun use of verb phrase blow up
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.
“I’m going to spend millions and millions of dollars to fight you in court,’” Jane said during one blowup, according to Amy.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 5, 2026
He’s had nothing to say about the blowup in the Buss family, L.A. royalty who built the Laker dynasty and are divided over whether to part with their minority stake.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 2026
Ali Kashani, CEO of Serve Robotics, said in an earnings call that the blowup was “caused by changes in the operating model and integration of our fleet.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 17, 2026
It wasn’t so long ago that one thing took major stock indexes down overnight: the blowup of the Japanese yen “carry trade.”
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 2, 2026
“There has to be a way to prevent a huge blowup that doesn’t involve forcibly erasing everyone’s memories.”
From "Allegiant" by Veronica Roth
Definitions 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.
