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

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

It can shoot a standard M-107 high explosive round about 15 miles or 25 miles if using an M-982 Excalibur extended range guided artillery shell.

From Washington Times • Apr. 28, 2022

Months passed, however, before their supply of howitzers and high explosive shells was sufficient to enable them to cope with the Germans on equal terms.

From The Childrens' Story of the War, Volume 3 (of 10) From the First Battle of Ypres to the End of the Year 1914 by Parrott, James Edward