Explosives - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Explosives are reactive substances that release a large amount of energy rapidly, often producing heat, gas, and pressure. They are used in mining, demolition, and military applications.
Definition:
Substances that react rapidly to produce heat, gas, and often a violent explosion.
Synonyms:
bombs, dynamite, TNT, gunpowder
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
stabilizers, suppressants
Common Collocations:
handle explosives, detonate explosives, store explosives, transport explosives
Derivatives:
explosive (adj), explosively (adv)
Usage Tips:
Use "explosives" for materials designed to explode; avoid using it metaphorically unless emphasizing extreme impact.
Common Phrases:
explosive situation, explosive growth, go off like an explosive
Etymology:
From Latin "explodere" (to drive out by clapping) + "-ive," later associated with violent expansion of gases.
Examples:
- 1. The police found hidden explosives in the abandoned warehouse.
- 2. Handling explosives requires specialized training and extreme caution.
- 3. The mine was cleared of all explosives before construction began.
- 4. Explosives were used to demolish the old bridge safely.