explosive

American  

[ik-sploh-siv] / ɪkˈsploʊ sɪv /

adjective

1. tending or serving to explode.

   an explosive temper; Nitroglycerin is an explosive substance.

2. pertaining to or of the nature of an explosion.

   explosive violence.

3. likely to lead to violence or hostility.

   an explosive issue.

4. Phonetics. plosive.

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noun

1. an explosive agent or substance, as dynamite.

2. Phonetics. plosive.

explosive British  

/ ɪkˈspləʊsɪv /

adjective

1. of, involving, or characterized by an explosion or explosions

2. capable of exploding or tending to explode

3. potentially violent or hazardous; dangerous

   an explosive situation

4. phonetics another word for plosive

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noun

1. a substance that decomposes rapidly under certain conditions with the production of gases, which expand by the heat of the reaction. The energy released is used in firearms, blasting, and rocket propulsion

2. a plosive consonant; stop

Other Word Forms

• explosively
  adverb
• explosiveness
  noun
• nonexplosive
  adjective
• nonexplosively
  adverb
• nonexplosiveness
  noun
• unexplosive
  adjective
• unexplosively
  adverb
• unexplosiveness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of explosive

First recorded in 1660–70; explos(ion) + -ive

Explanation

An explosive is a substance that can be made to explode by being hit or lit on fire. You might use an explosive to create a tunnel through a mountain — but you probably shouldn't use one to clear weeds from your yard. Explosives contain highly reactive chemicals that are full of potential energy, which can be released with a bang. You can also use the word explosive as an adjective, to describe such substances or anything else that is dramatic, abrupt, or loud. You might say that your brother has an explosive temper sometimes, or that your snow shoveling business has seen explosive growth this winter. The Latin root is explodere, "drive out."

Example Sentences

After arriving on the scene, Osborn used an older X-ray machine to examine the explosive device.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

Inspired by the 1771 watercolor 'Night view of a current of lava' by British-Italian artist Pietro Fabris, the device was designed to use light and movement to mimic flowing lava and explosive bursts from Vesuvius.

From Science Daily • May 2, 2026

He’s used that same platform to lob explosive accusations at critics and allies alike, blowing up a professional and personal relationship with President Donald Trump by tying him to the Epstein files.

From Slate • Apr. 30, 2026

Can Micron’s stock sustain its explosive rally over the long haul?

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

A fire can be put out, but the damage an explosive can do may be irreparable.

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins

Related Words

• fiery
• frenzied
• hazardous
• meteoric
• stormy
• tense
• touchy
• ugly
• uncontrollable
• unstable
• violent