# meltdown

/ˈmɛɫtˌdaʊn/ (US) · /mˈɛltdaʊn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/meltdown
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. nuclear failure

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Often used with 'nuclear' or 'reactor'.

### 2. emotional outburst

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

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

For teachers: 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.

Teaching tip: While often used for children's tantrums, in a psychological context it specifically describes an involuntary response to being overwhelmed.

### 3. economic or systemic crash

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The toddler had a meltdown in the supermarket.
- After hours of arguing, she had a meltdown and left the room.
- The political scandal triggered a public meltdown that forced the minister to resign immediately.

---

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.