explosion

[ ik-sploh-zhuhn ]

noun

1. an act or instance of exploding; a violent expansion or bursting with noise, as of gunpowder or a boiler ( implosion ).
2. the noise itself:

   The loud explosion woke them.

3. a violent outburst, as of laughter or anger.
4. a sudden, rapid, or great increase:

   a population explosion.

5. the burning of the mixture of fuel and air in an internal-combustion engine.
6. Phonetics. plosion.

explosion

/ ɪkˈspləʊʒən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of exploding
2. a violent release of energy resulting from a rapid chemical or nuclear reaction, esp one that produces a shock wave, loud noise, heat, and light Compare implosion
3. a sudden or violent outburst of activity, noise, emotion, etc
4. a rapid increase, esp in a population
5. phonetics another word for plosion

explosion

/ ĭk-splō′zhən /

1. A violent blowing apart or bursting caused by energy released from a very fast chemical reaction, a nuclear reaction, or the escape of gases under pressure.

Other Words From

• postex·plosion adjective
• preex·plosion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of explosion¹

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin explōsiōn-, stem of explōsiō, from explōs(us) “driven off by clapping” (past participle of explōdere “to drive off by clapping, drive away”; explode ) + -iō -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of explosion¹

C17: from Latin explōsiō, from explōdere to explode

Example Sentences

Although the species was probably not the common ancestor to all ecdysozoans, the authors note, the discovery contributes a significant addition to our understanding of the diversity of life before the so-called Cambrian explosion.

From Science Magazine

It said the attack, on a depot around 100km from the border near the town of Karachev, caused 12 secondary explosions.

From BBC

That’s a gross exaggeration, as gasoline, battery and hydrogen vehicles all are subject to fire and explosion, albeit in different ways.

From Los Angeles Times

It is the largest such assault since early September, with reports of several explosions across Ukraine, according to authorities and local media.

From BBC

A 911 caller reported an “explosion” related to a battery issue, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blast
• burst
• detonation
• firing
• outbreak
• outburst