population explosion

American  

noun

1. the rapid increase in numbers of a particular species, especially in the world's human population since the end of World War II, attributed to an accelerating birthrate, a decrease in infant mortality, and an increase in life expectancy.

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population explosion British  

noun

1. a rapid increase in the size of a population caused by such factors as a sudden decline in infant mortality or an increase in life expectancy

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Etymology

Origin of population explosion

An Americanism dating back to 1950–55

Example Sentences

She added that it was unlikely there would be a population explosion as wildcats live in low density numbers over wider areas and they would be closely monitored and managed.

From BBC • Nov. 18, 2025

With the expansion of the area’s wetlands in 2021, it saw a population explosion.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 21, 2023

Beasley attributes the population explosion to a few explanations, including humans illegally moving wild pigs to the areas where hunting them is legal year-round, as well as to warmer climates in recent decades.

From Science Daily • Oct. 10, 2023

Their absence disrupted predator-and-prey relationships throughout the nation and resulted in a population explosion of deer and elk.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 30, 2023

Any society with a marked population explosion will be forced to devote all its energies and technological skills to feeding and caring for the population on its home planet.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan