ENGLISH
REFERENCE

explosion

n.
US //ɪksˈpɫoʊʒən// UK //ɛksplˈəʊʒən// ex·plo·sion
  1. 1 violent burst of energy (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Science

    a sudden, violent burst of energy, often caused by a bomb or gas, that breaks things apart.

    a violent and destructive release of energy, typically resulting from a chemical, nuclear, or mechanical reaction.

    Example

    The explosion was so strong that it broke all the windows in the street.

    Example

    The accidental gas explosion levelled the warehouse, leaving investigators to sift through the debris for clues regarding the ignition source.
  2. 2 a loud noise (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the very loud sound made when something bursts or blows up.

    the sudden, loud acoustic manifestation of a violent release of energy.

    Example

    We heard a loud explosion in the distance and ran to the window.

    Example

    A sudden explosion echoed through the valley, startling the hikers who were miles away from the construction site.
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  1. 3 rapid increase (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a sudden and very quick increase in the amount or number of something.

    a sudden, rapid, and often uncontrolled increase or expansion in number, scale, or intensity.

    Example

    There has been an explosion in the number of people using smartphones lately.

    Example

    The late twentieth century witnessed a population explosion in urban centres, placing unprecedented strain on existing infrastructure and housing markets.
  2. 4 sudden emotion (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a sudden, strong show of a feeling like anger or laughter.

    a sudden and intense emotional outburst, typically of anger, laughter, or enthusiasm.

    Example

    His joke caused an explosion of laughter from everyone in the room.

    Example

    The manager's sudden explosion of temper caught the staff off guard, as he was usually known for his calm and professional demeanour.
Origin

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.

Word family

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