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Explosive: Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：blasting agent (explosive)

explosive 🔊

/ɪkˈspləʊsɪv/

A material or object that can cause a sudden, violent release of energy with loud noise, heat, and pressure, such as dynamite or TNT.

Explosive device diagram showing controlled demolition charges and wires on concrete pillars.

blasting agent 🔊

➕

/ˈblæstɪŋ ˈeɪdʒənt/

A substance or device designed to produce a sudden and violent release of energy.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'explodere' meaning 'to drive out by clapping' (ex- 'out' + plaudere 'to clap'), later evolving to mean 'to burst out with noise'.

💡 Mnemonic

EX-PLO-sive: Think of something that blows out (EX) with a loud PLOP sound.

📖 Example

Security at the airport is very strict to prevent anyone from carrying hidden explosives. 🔊 Security at the airport is very strict to prevent anyone from carrying hidden explosives.

🔗 Collocations

high explosive – A very powerful type of explosive that detonates rapidly.

plant explosives – To secretly place explosive devices in a location.

explosive device – A manufactured apparatus designed to explode.

🔄 Synonyms

bomb (n.) – A container filled with explosive material.

dynamite (n.) – A high explosive containing nitroglycerin.

TNT (n.) – Trinitrotoluene, a specific type of yellow explosive.

🚫 Antonyms

inert material (n. phrase) – A substance that is chemically inactive and non-reactive.

stabilizer (n.) – A substance that makes something less likely to change or deteriorate.

dampener (n.) – Something that reduces intensity or activity.

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'explosive' derives from Latin 'explodere', originally meaning to clap or hiss an actor off the stage. Its modern meaning solidified with the invention of chemical explosives like dynamite in the 19th century, forever changing warfare, mining, and construction.

Meaning 2：highly tense (explosive)

explosive 🔊

/ɪkˈspləʊsɪv/

Used to describe a situation, issue, or emotion that is very tense and could suddenly become violent or uncontrollable.

Explosive situation illustration depicting a tense, confrontational office meeting between colleagues.

highly tense 🔊

➕

/ˈhaɪli tens/

Describing a situation or atmosphere that is charged with potential for sudden, dramatic, and often violent change or conflict.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The argument between the two teammates created an explosive atmosphere in the locker room, and the coach had to step in. 🔊 The argument between the two teammates created an explosive atmosphere in the locker room, and the coach had to step in.

🔗 Collocations

explosive situation – A circumstance that is extremely tense and could erupt suddenly.

explosive temper – A personality trait of becoming angry very quickly and violently.

explosive growth – An extremely rapid and sudden increase.

🔄 Synonyms

volatile (adj.) – Likely to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse.

charged (adj.) – Filled with emotional tension or excitement.

inflammatory (adj.) – Tending to arouse anger, hostility, or strong emotion.

🚫 Antonyms

calm (adj.) – Not showing or feeling nervousness, anger, or other strong emotions.

stable (adj.) – Not likely to change or fail; firmly established.

peaceful (adj.) – Free from disturbance; tranquil.

🌱 Derivatives

explode (v.) – To burst or shatter violently and noisily; or to suddenly express strong emotion.

explosion (n.) – A violent shattering or bursting; or a sudden outburst of something.