Explosives Terminology

noun a destructive wave of highly compressed air spreading outward from an explosion

verb to explode or destroy something with an explosion

• The controlled blast was executed by the demolition team.
• We had a blast at the party last night.
• That concert was an absolute blast!
• Her performance at the competition was a blast of energy.

noun an explosion or detonation

verb to explode or cause to explode violently

• The engineers are concerned about the possibility of the gas tank blowing up during the test.
• If you keep adding more air to the balloon, it's going to blow up soon.
• I heard that the car engine blew up right in the middle of the highway.
• The argument between the two colleagues was about to blow up into a full-blown conflict.

noun a sudden and violent release of energy caused by an explosion

• The detonation of the bomb caused widespread damage to the building.
• I heard the loud detonation and knew something had exploded.
• The detonation was so loud, it scared the living daylights out of me.
• The detonation of emotions in the room was palpable as the argument escalated.

noun a person who uses dynamite, especially for demolition or sabotage

• The dynamiter carefully placed the explosives in the designated areas.
• The dynamiter set up the bombs like a pro.
• The dynamiter blew up the place real good.
• She was a dynamiter in the business world, always shaking things up and making bold moves.

noun a violent explosion

verb to explode violently or flash like lightning

• The scientist fulminated against the unethical practices in the research field.
• She fulminated about the poor customer service she received at the store.
• The fans fulminated on social media about the controversial decision made by the referee.
• His speech was so powerful that it seemed to fulminate with passion and anger.

noun a small explosive device typically thrown by hand

verb not applicable

adjective not applicable

adverb not applicable

pronoun not applicable

preposition not applicable

conjunction not applicable

interjection not applicable

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• The soldier threw a grenade into the enemy's bunker.
• Dude, did you see that guy toss a grenade like a pro?
• I heard he's got a 'nade launcher in his arsenal.
• Her words were like a verbal grenade, exploding in the middle of the meeting.

noun a small piece or fragment, especially of something brittle or shatterable

• The explosion reduced the building to smithereens.
• He smashed the vase into smithereens.
• I'll break your phone into smithereens if you don't stop bothering me.
• Her heart was shattered into smithereens after the breakup.

noun a situation or problem that will become dangerous or harmful if not addressed

• The authorities successfully defused the time bomb found in the city center.
• I can't believe you're still using that old phone, it's like a ticking time bomb.
• His temper is a total time bomb, you never know when he's going to explode.
• The mounting stress and pressure at work felt like a time bomb waiting to go off.

noun a type of explosive device that is worn on the body and detonated by the person carrying it

• The authorities were on high alert for any potential threats involving a body bomb.
• I heard they found a body bomb in the suspect's car.
• The criminal was caught red-handed with a body bomb in his possession.
• Her explosive temper was like a ticking body bomb waiting to go off.