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explosive
/ɪkˈsploʊsɪv/
likely to cause an explosion
The scientist warned that the chemical was highly explosive.
The scientist warned that the chemical could easily cause an explosion.
Engineering
technical
Likely to cause an explosion; able to burst violently.
The engineers tested the material to determine if it was explosive.
The engineers tested whether the material could explode violently.
Often used to describe substances, devices, or situations with explosive potential.
general
Sudden, rapid, and often violent in effect or impact.
The news had an explosive effect on the stock market.
The news caused sudden and dramatic changes in the stock market.
Can describe emotional, social, or political events that erupt suddenly.
Engineering
technical
Explosive substance, especially a chemical or device designed to explode.
The military transported the explosives to the training site.
The military transported bomb-making materials to the training site.
Plural form 'explosives' is commonly used in this sense.
Collocations
highly explosiveextremely likely to explodeexplosive devicea bomb or similar weaponexplosive growthrapid and sudden increaseexplosive situationa volatile or dangerous scenario
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid literal misuse
Do not use 'explosive' to describe things that are merely loud or intense (e.g., 'explosive music' is incorrect; use 'loud' or 'energetic' instead).
Gold Rule
Context matters
Always check if 'explosive' is used literally (chemicals, bombs) or figuratively (rapid change, sudden anger).
Word Origin
From Latin 'explosivus', past participle of 'explodere' (to drive out by clapping, to hiss off the stage), from 'ex-' (out) + 'plaudere' (to clap). Originally referred to actors being hissed off stage; later applied to chemical reactions in the 17th century.
Usage Notes
In modern usage, 'explosive' can describe both literal explosives (bombs) and metaphorical eruptions (e.g., 'an explosive argument'). Avoid using it to describe people unless in a figurative sense (e.g., 'an explosive personality' implies sudden anger).
Word Breakdown
ex-
out, thoroughly
prefixplodere
to clap, applaud
root-ive
having the quality of
suffixEnglish Dictionary