explosion

Pronunciation: /ɛkˈsploʊ.ʒən/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a violent release of energy caused by a chemical or nuclear reaction
  2. noun the act of exploding or bursting
  3. noun a sudden great increase

Etymology

From French explosion, from Latin explōsiōnis, genitive form of explōsio, from explōdo (“to drive out by clapping”), from ex- and plōdo (“to clap or strike”). For more information see explode.

In classic literature

Synonyms

detonation, blowup

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
discharge
Narrower (hyponyms)
airburst, fragmentation, big bang, backfire, inflation, blast

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