ground zero

American  

noun

1. the point on the surface of the earth or water directly below, directly above, or at which an atomic or hydrogen bomb explodes.

2. (sometimes initial capital letters) the site of the former World Trade Center in New York City, destroyed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

3. Informal. the very beginning or most elementary level.

   Some of the students are starting from ground zero.

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ground zero British  

noun

1. a point on the surface of land or water at or directly above or below the centre of a nuclear explosion

2. a scene of great devastation

3. (sometimes capitals) the name given to the devastated site of the collapsed World Trade Center towers in New York after September 11 2001

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Etymology

Origin of ground zero

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

“These announcements take a step forward so that retailers don’t have to start from ground zero.”

From The Wall Street Journal

A large group of anti-fascist protesters showed up to the conservative group’s event Monday on Berkeley’s famed Sproul Plaza, ground zero for the historic 1960s campus free speech movement.

From Los Angeles Times

The bolstered business has helped spur an economic comeback in Roma and Condesa, ground zero for gentrification.

From Los Angeles Times

What to keep and what to toss is a battle, and our basement is ground zero.

From The Wall Street Journal

Elizabeth Taylor and Burton were ground zero of what we see today.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ambition
• aspiration
• intention
• purpose
• target