adj
Uncommon
ballistic
buh-LIHS-tihk
Ballistic (adj) means relating to projectiles that travel under their own momentum and gravity rather than powered flight. Example: “The missile follows a ballistic path after its engines cut out.”
adj
1
Relating to projectiles that travel under their own momentum and gravity rather than powered flight.
"The missile follows a ballistic path after its engines cut out."
"Engineers studied the ballistic properties of the new artillery shell."
2
Extremely and suddenly angry.
"My dad went ballistic when he saw the dented car."
"She went completely ballistic over the missed deadline."
How to use ballistic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes objects that fly on their own momentum, or — informally — someone erupting with rage.
Common mistake
The "furious" sense is always "go ballistic," not "be ballistic," in everyday speech.
Common pairings
go ballistic
ballistic missile
ballistic vest
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like ballistic.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- more ballistic
- Superlative
- most ballistic
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The missile follows a _____ path after its engines cut out.
Etymology
From Latin ballista, an ancient siege weapon for hurling stones, plus the adjective ending -ic.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for ballistic
holistic
sadistic
artistic
autistic
logistic
heuristic
statistic
realistic
hedonistic
linguistic
futuristic
optimistic
See all rhymes for ballistic →
Frequently asked questions
What does “ballistic” mean?
The word “ballistic” means relating to projectiles that travel under their own momentum and gravity rather than powered flight. In plain terms, describes objects that fly on their own momentum, or — informally — someone erupting with rage.
How do you pronounce “ballistic”?
“Ballistic” is pronounced buh-LIHS-tihk (/bəˈlɪs.tɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “ballistic” in a sentence?
Here is “ballistic” used in a sentence: “The missile follows a ballistic path after its engines cut out.”
What is another word for “ballistic”?
Words with a similar meaning to “ballistic” include ballistical.
What is the opposite of “ballistic”?
The opposite of “ballistic” — its antonyms — are antiballistic, guided and projectile.
What part of speech is “ballistic”?
“Ballistic” is an adjective.
Where does the word “ballistic” come from?
The word “ballistic” comes from Latin. From Latin ballista, an ancient siege weapon for hurling stones, plus the adjective ending -ic.
Is “ballistic” a common word?
“Ballistic” is an uncommon word in modern English.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include ballistic:
