26984 words

explosive

10 definitions • 16 examples
1

Examples:

highly explosive Certain gases are highly explosive.
explosive device An explosive device (= a bomb) was found at one of the capital's busiest stations this morning.
2
very loud and sudden, like an explosion:

Examples:

There was an explosive clap of thunder overhead.
3
An explosive situation or emotion is one in which strong feelings are loudly or violently expressed:

Examples:

explosive situation The situation in some of America's cities has become explosive.
explosive issue Capital punishment is an explosive issue.
explosive temper She has an explosive temper.
4
An explosive increase is very large and quick:

Examples:

The last few years have seen an explosive increase in the number of homeless people on our streets.
5
used to describe a sports player, runner, etc. who is able to suddenly increase their speed or power while playing or running, or to describe this speed or power:

Examples:

He was one of the Premier League's most explosive players.
explosive speed Trainers work on drills designed to promote explosive speed and physical agility.
6
a substance or piece of equipment that can cause explosions
7

Examples:

an explosive device
Certain gases are highly explosive.
fig. It was a politically explosive issue.
8
Explosive also means difficult to control and likely to be violent:

Examples:

She has an explosive temper.
9
very quick and big:

Examples:

There has been an explosive increase in the number households owning a computer.
10
a substance that can be made to burst violently:

Examples:

Explosives are sometimes used to blast away rock in construction.
Dynamite is a powerful explosive.

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