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Meaning of explosive in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Classifying Adjective
    1. Definitions
  3. Noun
    1. Definitions
  4. Qualitative Adjective
    1. Definitions
  1. Pronunciation

    /ɪkˈsploʊsɪv/

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  1. Classifying Adjective

    explosive

    Definitions

    1. liable to lead to sudden change or violence

    Examples

    • « an explosive issue »
    • « a volatile situation with troops and rioters eager for a confrontation »

    Synonyms

    • unstable
  2. 2. sudden and loud

    Examples

    • « an explosive laugh »

    Synonyms

    • sudden
  3. Noun

    explosive

    Definitions

    1. a chemical substance that undergoes a rapid chemical change (with the production of gas) on being heated or struck
  4. Qualitative Adjective

    explosive

    Definitions

    1. tending or serving to explode or characterized by explosion or sudden outburst

    Examples

    • « an explosive device »
    • « explosive gas »
    • « explosive force »
    • « explosive violence »
    • « an explosive temper »

    Synonyms

    • bursting
    • detonating
    • exploding
    • detonative

    Antonyms

    • nonexplosive

Famous quotes

  • « I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music. »
    Billy Joel
  • « From year to year, environmental changes are incremental and often barely register in our lives, but from evolutionary or geological perspectives, what is happening is explosive change. »
    David Suzuki
  • « For 50 years, nuclear power stations have produced three products which only a lunatic could want: bomb-explosive plutonium, lethal radioactive waste and electricity so dear it has to be heavily subsidised. They leave to future generations the task, and most of the cost, of making safe sites that have been polluted half-way to eternity. »
    James Buchan
  • « A book is the only place in which you can examine a fragile thought without breaking it, or explore an explosive idea without fear it will go off in your face. It is one of the few havens remaining where a man's mind can get both provocation and privacy. »
    Edward P. Morgan
  • « The main prank that we play with props is for people's birthdays. The special effects people will put a little explosive in the cake so it blows up in their face - that's always fun to play on a guest star, or one of the trainees or someone who's new. »
    Catherine Bell

Browse dictionary

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