# ballistic

/bəˈɫɪstɪk/ (US) · /bɐlˈɪstɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ballistic
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. extremely angry

adjective · CEFR B2 · Slang · Informal

to become suddenly and extremely angry, often shouting or losing control.

For teachers: to become extremely and uncontrollably angry; typically used in the phrase 'go ballistic'.

- My boss went ballistic when he found out we lost the important client.
- The manager went ballistic after discovering the accounting error, demanding an immediate explanation from the entire department.

Usage: Usually follows the verb 'go'.

Teaching tip: While common in spoken English, this is very informal; students should avoid it in academic or professional writing.

### 2. relating to projectiles

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

relating to objects, like bullets or rockets, that are shot or thrown through the air.

For teachers: relating to the flight of projectiles moving under their own momentum and gravity without significant lift.

- The scientists studied the ballistic path of the rocket after its engines stopped.
- Forensic experts conducted a ballistic analysis of the fragments to determine the trajectory of the projectile.

Usage: Often used in compound terms like 'ballistic missile' or 'ballistic trajectory'.

Teaching tip: This is the original scientific meaning; in this context, it is a neutral, technical term.

## Examples

- The car accelerated with ballistic speed.
- The startup saw ballistic growth after launching its new app.
- The politician's ballistic rise to power surprised many observers who had previously dismissed him as a fringe candidate.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.