explosion
Americannoun
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an act or instance of exploding; a violent expansion or bursting with noise, as of gunpowder or a boiler (opposed to implosion).
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the noise itself.
The loud explosion woke them.
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a violent outburst, as of laughter or anger.
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a sudden, rapid, or great increase.
a population explosion.
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the burning of the mixture of fuel and air in an internal-combustion engine.
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Phonetics. plosion.
noun
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the act or an instance of exploding
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a violent release of energy resulting from a rapid chemical or nuclear reaction, esp one that produces a shock wave, loud noise, heat, and light Compare implosion
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a sudden or violent outburst of activity, noise, emotion, etc
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a rapid increase, esp in a population
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phonetics another word for plosion
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of explosion
First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin explōsiōn-, stem of explōsiō, from explōs(us) “driven off by clapping” (past participle of explōdere “to drive off by clapping, drive away”; see explode) + -iō -ion
Explanation
Whether it's a bursting balloon or a detonating bomb, you're sure to notice an explosion. An explosion involves a sudden and often violent burst of energy. The noun explosion is useful when you're talking about a watermelon smashing on the pavement or the burst of fireworks overhead, but it can also describe a sudden increase in something, like an explosion of excitement at a birthday party when the pony arrives. Originally, explosion was used to mean "scornful rejection," from its root in the Latin explodere, "hiss off the stage," and a disappointed audience today might still be described as "exploding with boos."
Vocabulary lists containing explosion
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"Ballad of Birmingham" by Dudley Randall
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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.
See Examples For:
Other passengers also reported hearing what sounded like an explosion.
From BBC ● Jul. 14, 2026
He said musicians at the venue described "smoke from a circuit breaker near the stage followed by the power going out and an explosion".
From Barron's ● Jul. 12, 2026
The Golden State’s deep pool of talent, rich investors and other tech infrastructure have made it ground zero for the artificial intelligence explosion.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 10, 2026
In any case, it could be smart to establish some low-cost, out-of-the-money positions in case a VIX explosion does occur.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 9, 2026
He looks genuinely concerned, so I must look like I was in an explosion.
From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell
Iranian state media reported explosions near the port city of Bandar Abbas, on the island of Qeshm and on Bandar Imam Khomeini.
From Barron's ● Jul. 15, 2026
Minutes before the initial Centcom announcement, Iranian state TV reported explosions in Sirik, Qeshm, Bandar Abbas and Jask.
From BBC ● Jul. 13, 2026
Fourth of July fireworks sparked dangerous explosions and raging fires across Southern California, leaving several injured and displacing families.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 9, 2026
Regulators received more reports of fatal explosions involving parts that appeared to be DTN’s in 2024 and 2025.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 9, 2026
His father would be the minute he heard about the explosions.
From "Time Bomb" by Joelle Charbonneau
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.
