meltdown

n. a very dangerous accident where the center of a nuclear power plant gets too hot and melts.

n. the melting of a nuclear reactor core due to a failure of the cooling system, often leading to the release of radiation.

“The safety systems prevented a total meltdown after the earthquake damaged the power plant.”

“Engineers worked around the clock to prevent a full-scale meltdown, as the rising temperatures in the reactor core threatened the containment structure.”

Technical

n. a sudden loss of control over your feelings, often involving crying or shouting because of too much stress.

n. an episode of intense emotional distress or a loss of self-control, frequently triggered by overwhelming stress or sensory overload.

“The toddler had a complete meltdown in the supermarket because he couldn't have the toy.”

“After weeks of working overtime without a break, he suffered a public meltdown during the board meeting.”

Informal

n. a sudden and complete failure of a system, like the stock market or a large company.

n. a sudden, disastrous collapse of a financial or social system.

“The global financial meltdown of 2008 affected millions of homeowners.”

“Economists warned that a sudden increase in interest rates could trigger a market meltdown, destabilizing the fragile recovery.”

Academic · Formal