explosion

[ik-sploh-zhuhn]

noun

1. an act or instance of exploding; a violent expansion or bursting with noise, as of gunpowder or a boiler (implosion ).

2. the noise itself.

   The loud explosion woke them.

3. a violent outburst, as of laughter or anger.

4. a sudden, rapid, or great increase.

   a population explosion.

5. the burning of the mixture of fuel and air in an internal-combustion engine.

6. Phonetics.,  plosion.

explosion

/ ɪkˈspləʊʒən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of exploding

2. 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

3. a sudden or violent outburst of activity, noise, emotion, etc

4. a rapid increase, esp in a population

5. phonetics another word for plosion

explosion

1. A violent blowing apart or bursting caused by energy released from a very fast chemical reaction, a nuclear reaction, or the escape of gases under pressure.

Other Word Forms

• postexplosion adjective
• preexplosion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of explosion¹

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”; explode ) + -iō -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of explosion¹

C17: from Latin explōsiō, from explōdere to _explode

Example Sentences

Miami still has enough explosion to punish defensive mistakes and has surged recently with three wins in four games.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Humphrey's business has been impacted by the explosion of counterfeit kits - and he's worried he may have to downsize or even close.

Read more on BBC

Just after 7 a.m. that day, simulated explosions and gunfire echoed through Utena’s otherwise sedate residential streets.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

And now, if you look at alternative music, I mean, there’s been an absolute explosion of people using unconventional instrumentation within the breath of alternative music, as it should be.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Your scenario requires three miracles: a productivity explosion, fiscal discipline and central bankers who prioritize currency stability over political convenience.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• blast 
• burst 
• detonation 
• firing 
• outbreak 
• outburst