high explosive

American  

noun

1. a class of explosive, as TNT, in which the reaction is so rapid as to be practically instantaneous, used in shells and bombs.

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high explosive British  

noun

1. an extremely powerful chemical explosive, such as TNT or gelignite

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Other Word Forms

• high-explosive adjective

Etymology

Origin of high explosive

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

Camp Pendleton advised nearby residents that there will be live-fire training with high explosive munitions through Sunday, which will result in some roads on base being closed.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 15, 2025

The company's Facebook page says it manufactures "various high explosive compositions and specialty products" for the US Department of Defense as well as US industrial markets.

From Barron's • Oct. 10, 2025

The LNR continued until World War Two when, during the night of 16 April 1941, in one of the last major air raids on London, the station was hit by high explosive and incendiary bombs.

From BBC • Sep. 17, 2023

So Bradbury Reid’s father moved his family into tents a couple of miles from the lab, within earshot of high explosive tests, until permanent housing on the site became available.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 22, 2023

They are the safest trenches to be in when high explosive shells or Mauser bullets are about.

From "The Red Watch" With the First Canadian Division in Flanders by Currie, John Allister