dynamite

[ dahy-nuh-mahyt ]

noun

1. a high explosive, originally consisting of nitroglycerin mixed with an absorbent substance, now with ammonium nitrate usually replacing the nitroglycerin.
2. any person or thing having a spectacular effect.

verb (used with object)

, dy·na·mit·ed, dy·na·mit·ing.

1. to blow up, shatter, or destroy with dynamite:

   Saboteurs dynamited the dam.

2. to mine or charge with dynamite.

adjective

1. Informal. creating a spectacular or optimum effect; great; topnotch:

   a dynamite idea; a dynamite crew.

dynamite

/ ˈdaɪnəˌmaɪt /

noun

1. an explosive consisting of nitroglycerine or ammonium nitrate mixed with kieselguhr, sawdust, or wood pulp
2. informal.
   a spectacular or potentially dangerous person or thing

verb

1. tr to mine or blow up with dynamite

dynamite

/ dī′nə-mīt′ /

1. A powerful explosive used in blasting and mining. It typically consists of nitroglycerin and a nitrate (especially sodium nitrate or ammonium nitrate), combined with an absorbent material that makes it safer to handle.

Derived Forms

• ˈdynaˌmiter, noun

Other Words From

• dyna·miter noun
• dy·na·mit·ic [dahy-n, uh, -, mit, -ik], adjective
• dyna·miti·cal·ly adverb
• un·dyna·mited adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dynamite¹

From Swedish dynamit, introduced by Alfred Bernhard Nobel ( def ), its inventor in 1867; dynam-, -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of dynamite¹

C19 (coined by Alfred Nobel): from dynamo- + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

Residents were so enraged in the 1920s that some carried out a series of attacks on the aqueduct, blasting it with dynamite.

From Los Angeles Times

“The magic that made the band so dynamic. Well, the dynamite was lit. Perry got up in Dave’s face and body checked him,” she wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

The defensive line must adequately replace the dynamite tandem of T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy, but with quarterback Quinn Ewers in control, Texas is positioned to simply outscore most opponents.

From Seattle Times

Still, all of that was merely packing the dynamite.

From Los Angeles Times

After delivering consistency and displaying mental strength under their new manager, Clement’s team suddenly went rogue on him and those results might be the ones that end up dynamiting their league season.

From BBC

Related Words

• nitroglycerin