noun

meltdown

MEHLT-down

noun

A serious overheating accident in which the fuel inside a nuclear reactor melts, risking a release of radiation.

"The documentary examined the causes of the reactor meltdown."

A sudden collapse or crisis, especially in a financial or organisational sense.

"The bank's meltdown wiped out billions in shareholder value."

A sudden loss of emotional control; an outburst of anger, panic, or distress.

"The toddler had a meltdown in the middle of the supermarket."

How to Use Meltdown

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA serious collapse — whether it's a nuclear reactor, a stock market, or someone's emotional composure.

Common pairings

nuclear meltdown market meltdown have a meltdown

meltdowns plural

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The documentary examined the causes of the reactor _____.

A compound of melt and down, first used literally for reactors before spreading to financial and emotional crises.