Explosion
/ɪkˈsploʊʒən/
Definitions
3 meaningsA sudden and violent release of energy, often with a loud noise and the breaking apart of something.
/ɪkˈsploʊʒən/
A sudden and violent outburst, often accompanied by a loud noise and the release of energy.
The explosion was heard miles away.
💡 Simply: Think of it like a firework going off! It's a super-fast, powerful burst of energy that makes a big noise and can cause things to break apart or be thrown in different directions. Like when you shake a soda and open it quickly – that fizz and spray is kind of like a mini explosion!
👶 For kids: A big BOOM! It's when something breaks apart really fast and makes a loud noise, like when a balloon pops or a firecracker goes off.
More Examples
The car accident resulted in a fiery explosion.
The sudden explosion rocked the building.
How It's Used
"The explosion destroyed the enemy's ammunition depot."
"The explosion was caused by a chemical reaction."
"The gas leak led to a massive explosion."
A sudden and dramatic increase or expansion of something, like a population or an idea.
/ɪkˈsploʊʒən/
A sudden and rapid increase or spread of something.
There was an explosion of new businesses in the area.
💡 Simply: It's when something grows or spreads really, really fast! Imagine a tiny seed that turns into a giant plant in a few days. Or, think about how suddenly a really popular song takes over the radio – that's like an explosion of popularity!
👶 For kids: When something gets bigger or more popular really, really quickly, like a bunch of kids running in all directions at once.
More Examples
The internet caused an explosion in the availability of information.
The company saw an explosion of new customers after the advertisement.
How It's Used
"The company experienced an explosion in profits after launching the new product."
"There was an explosion of interest in online learning during the pandemic."
"The doctor warned of an explosion of infections if hygiene practices are not followed."
A sudden and forceful display or expression of emotion.
/ɪkˈsploʊʒən/
A sudden and forceful expression or outburst of emotion.
She had an explosion of anger when she found out the news.
💡 Simply: It's when your feelings get so strong that they burst out! It's like when you're holding in a secret and then you just can't keep it quiet any longer. This can be with any emotion, not just anger!
👶 For kids: When you feel a really strong feeling, like being very happy or very angry, and it comes out all at once.
More Examples
There was an explosion of laughter when the comedian told the joke.
His frustration led to an emotional explosion.
How It's Used
"He had an emotional explosion after the argument."
"Her anger resulted in an explosion of words."
"He experienced an explosion of laughter."
Idioms & expressions
a silent explosion
A sudden, intense, and impactful event or change that happens without a visible or audible outburst.
"The release of the report was a silent explosion in the political landscape."
From Latin *explōdere* ('to drive out by clapping'), from *ex-* ('out') + *plaudere* ('to clap, applaud'). Originally referred to the act of driving something out with a bang; later broadened to include any sudden, violent expansion.
The word 'explosion' has been used since the 17th century, evolving from describing a sudden discharge or bursting to encompassing various forms of rapid expansion and forceful events.
Memory tip
Imagine a balloon suddenly bursting with a loud POP! That's an explosion.
Word Origin
"to drive out by clapping"