noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

blast

blahst

Blast (noun) means an explosion, or the powerful rush of air and force it creates. Example: “The blast shattered windows for blocks around.”

noun

An explosion, or the powerful rush of air and force it creates.

"The blast shattered windows for blocks around."

"Rescue workers searched the site after the blast."

A sudden strong gust of wind or air.

"A blast of cold air hit us as we opened the door."

An extremely enjoyable time.

"We had an absolute blast at the reunion."

verb

To blow something up or break it apart with explosives.

"Engineers blasted through the rock to build the tunnel."

To play something, especially music, extremely loudly.

"He was blasting music from his car stereo."

To criticize someone or something harshly.

"Critics blasted the movie for its weak plot."

How to use blast

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn explosion or powerful gust of force — or, informally, a great time; as a verb, to blow something up, play something loudly, or criticize harshly.

Common pairings

blast of air have a blast blast open blast music

Word forms

blasted past tense, blasted past tense, blasts plural, blasts plural, blasts singular, blasts singular

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The _____ shattered windows for blocks around.

Etymology

From Old English blǣst, meaning "a blowing" or "gust," related to the verb "blow."

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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explosion gust burst detonation rush blowout

Related words

party run break attack charge wind pop taste

Rhymes for blast

Ast last cast fast mast vast past bast Hast

See all rhymes for blast →

Frequently asked questions

What does “blast” mean?

The word “blast” means an explosion, or the powerful rush of air and force it creates. In plain terms, an explosion or powerful gust of force — or, informally, a great time; as a verb, to blow something up, play something loudly, or criticize harshly.

How do you pronounce “blast”?

“Blast” is pronounced blahst (/blæst/ in IPA).

How do you use “blast” in a sentence?

Here is “blast” used in a sentence: “The blast shattered windows for blocks around.”

What part of speech is “blast”?

Depending on how it is used, “blast” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “blast” come from?

The word “blast” comes from Old English. From Old English blǣst, meaning "a blowing" or "gust," related to the verb "blow.".

Is “blast” a common word?

“Blast” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “blast” have?

“Blast” has 6 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an explosion, or the powerful rush of air and force it creates.

What is the difference between "blast" and "explosion"?

An "explosion" is the violent bursting itself, while a "blast" emphasizes the powerful wave of air, pressure, and force that spreads out from it. People often say they were "knocked over by the blast" rather than by the explosion.

What is the difference between "blast" and "gust"?

A "gust" is a brief, natural rush of wind, while a "blast" of air is stronger and more forceful, and can come from a machine, a door, or an explosion. You might feel "a gust of wind" outdoors but "a blast of cold air" when a freezer opens.

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