adjective
explosive
ehk-SPLOH-sihv
adjective
1
Likely to explode, or having the sudden, violent force of an explosion.
"The gas leak created an explosive mixture in the basement."
"She has an explosive temper that flares up without warning."
noun
1
A substance that can explode, such as dynamite.
"The demolition crew set explosives around the base of the tower."
How to Use Explosive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething (or someone) capable of exploding, or a substance used to make things explode.
Common pairings
explosive device
explosive growth
highly explosive
Word Forms
more explosive comparative, explosives plural, most explosive superlative
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “explosive”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The gas leak created an _____ mixture in the basement.
Etymology
From Latin explosus (the past participle of explodere, "to drive out") plus the adjective ending -ive.