explosion

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a violent release of energy caused by a chemical or nuclear reaction
  2. noun the act of exploding or bursting
  3. noun a sudden great increase

Etymology

From French explosion, from Latin explōsiōnis, genitive form of explōsio, from explōdo (“to drive out by clapping”), from ex- and plōdo (“to clap or strike”). For more information see explode.

In classic literature

Synonyms

detonation, blowup

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