bomb

/bɒm/
nounIntermediate explosive device
formal

An explosive device designed to cause destruction or harm.

The military bomb was defused by the bomb squad.

The explosive device used by the military was safely deactivated by experts.

💡

Used in military and security contexts.

💻Technology
informal

A device that releases a large amount of energy suddenly, often used metaphorically in technology.

The new product is a real bomb in the tech market.

The new product is extremely successful in the tech market.

💡

In tech slang, 'bomb' can mean something that is highly successful or impressive.

informal

A post or comment that receives a lot of attention or engagement, often in a negative way.

His tweet was a total bomb and got thousands of replies.

His tweet received a lot of negative attention and replies.

💡

In internet slang, 'bomb' can refer to a post or comment that goes viral but is controversial.

Collocations

bomb squada team trained to handle explosive devicesbomb threata warning that a bomb will explodebombshella shocking piece of news

Related Phrases

drop the bombphrase
to reveal shocking news
bomb outphrase
to fail spectacularly

💡Pro Tip

Literal vs. Figurative Use

Be aware of the context when using 'bomb'. In military contexts, it refers to explosive devices, while in informal contexts, it can mean something impressive or controversial.

Gold Rule

Avoid Misuse

Do not use 'bomb' lightly, as it can be sensitive in certain contexts, especially when discussing terrorism or military actions.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'bombe', from Old French 'bombe', from Latin 'bombus' (a humming sound), from Greek 'bombos' (a deep sound).

📝Usage Notes

The word 'bomb' can be used literally to refer to explosive devices or metaphorically to describe something that is highly successful or controversial.

Word Breakdown

bomb
explosive device
root
English Dictionary