ballistic

[ buh-lis-tik ]

adjective

1. of or relating to ballistics.
2. having its motion determined or describable by the laws of exterior ballistics.

ballistic

/ bəˈlɪstɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to ballistics
2. denoting or relating to the flight of projectiles after power has been cut off, moving under their own momentum and the external forces of gravity and air resistance
3. (of a measurement or measuring instrument) depending on a brief impulse or current that causes a movement related to the quantity to be measured

   a ballistic pendulum

4. go ballistic informal.
   to become enraged or frenziedly violent
5. (of materials) strong enough to resist damage by projectile weapons

   ballistic nylon

Derived Forms

• balˈlistically, adverb

Other Words From

• bal·listi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of ballistic¹

First recorded in 1765–75; ballist(a) + -ic

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. go ballistic, Informal. to become overwrought or irrational:

   went ballistic over the idea of a tax hike.

More idioms and phrases containing ballistic

see go ballistic .

Example Sentences

Iran initially launched around 180 ballistic missiles at Israel in response to the killings of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders.

From BBC

North Korea for some time has been providing Russia with artillery and ballistic missiles to use against Ukraine, and its forces could help make more effective use of such weaponry.

From Los Angeles Times

He added that North Korea has already sent millions of rounds of ammunition and ballistic missiles to Moscow for use in Ukraine.

From BBC

Israel said it targeted military sites in several regions of Iran on Saturday in retaliation for Iranian attacks, including a barrage of almost 200 ballistic missiles fired towards Israel on 1 October.

From BBC

Israel’s bombardment of Iran came in response to Iran launching nearly 200 ballistic missiles at Israel on Oct.

From Los Angeles Times