explosion

The word “explosion” means a violent, sudden release of energy, often with a loud bang and flying debris. In plain terms, a sudden, violent blast — or, more loosely, a sudden burst or surge of something.

“Explosion” is pronounced ihk-SPLOH-zhuhn (/ɛkˈsploʊ.ʒən/ in IPA).

Here is “explosion” used in a sentence: “The explosion shattered windows three streets away.”

Words with a similar meaning to “explosion” include bang, blast, boom, burst, detonation and eruption.

The opposite of “explosion” — its antonyms — is implosion.

“Explosion” is a noun.

The word “explosion” comes from Latin. From French explosion, from Latin explodere, "to drive out by clapping" — the same root gives us "explode".

“Explosion” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

An explosion is a violent, sudden release of energy that pushes outward, often with a loud bang and flying debris. An implosion is the opposite: the structure or object collapses inward on itself. The two words describe motion in opposing directions.

Yes. Beyond a physical blast, 'explosion' describes a sudden, rapid increase or outburst of something, as in a population explosion or an explosion of anger. In this figurative use there is no fire or debris, only a swift and dramatic surge.

'Explosion' is most often followed by 'of', as in 'an explosion of colour' or 'an explosion of laughter'. This 'explosion of' pattern is standard when naming what has suddenly surged or burst forth.

The two words overlap heavily and are often interchangeable. 'Blast' tends to emphasise the shockwave and rush of air that spreads out from the event, while 'explosion' names the violent release of energy itself. A single event can accurately be called both.