Word
explosion
Phoneticsex·plo·sion, stress on the second syllable
US/ɪksˈpɫoʊʒən/
UK/ɛksplˈəʊʒən/
Definitions
01violent burst of energy
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Science
n. a sudden, violent burst of energy, often caused by a bomb or gas, that breaks things apart.
n. a violent and destructive release of energy, typically resulting from a chemical, nuclear, or mechanical reaction.
日本語:爆発※
“The explosion was so strong that it broke all the windows in the street.”
“The accidental gas explosion levelled the warehouse, leaving investigators to sift through the debris for clues regarding the ignition source.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02a loud noise
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. the very loud sound made when something bursts or blows up.
n. the sudden, loud acoustic manifestation of a violent release of energy.
“We heard a loud explosion in the distance and ran to the window.”
“A sudden explosion echoed through the valley, startling the hikers who were miles away from the construction site.”
03rapid increase
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a sudden and very quick increase in the amount or number of something.
n. a sudden, rapid, and often uncontrolled increase or expansion in number, scale, or intensity.
日本語:急増※
“There has been an explosion in the number of people using smartphones lately.”
“The late twentieth century witnessed a population explosion in urban centres, placing unprecedented strain on existing infrastructure and housing markets.”
04sudden emotion
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a sudden, strong show of a feeling like anger or laughter.
n. a sudden and intense emotional outburst, typically of anger, laughter, or enthusiasm.
“His joke caused an explosion of laughter from everyone in the room.”
“The manager's sudden explosion of temper caught the staff off guard, as he was usually known for his calm and professional demeanour.”
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “explosion” in context.
Verb
01. cause explosion
“A gas leak is believed to have caused the explosion.”
verb + noun
02. explosion occurs
“The explosion occurred just after the building had been evacuated.”
noun + verb
03. explosion rocks
“A powerful explosion rocked the city center early this morning.”
noun + verb
04. hear explosion
“Neighbors reported hearing a loud explosion in the middle of the night.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. controlled explosion
“Bomb disposal experts carried out a controlled explosion of the device.”
adj + noun
06. massive explosion
“A massive explosion destroyed the factory and shattered nearby windows.”
adj + noun
07. population explosion
“The city is struggling to provide housing after a recent population explosion.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. force of explosion
“The force of the explosion was felt several miles away.”
noun + prep + noun
09. risk of explosion
“Firefighters warned that there was still a high risk of explosion.”
noun + prep + noun
10. an explosion of interest
“There has been an explosion of interest in renewable energy recently.”
11. deafen by an explosion
“He was temporarily deafened by the explosion of the grenade.”
12. result in an explosion
“Mixing these two chemicals could result in a violent explosion.”
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/explosion
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0