blast
noun (countable)
UK/blɑːst/US/blæst/
A sudden, powerful explosion or gust of air; a loud, explosive noise.
Example Sentences
We heard a massive blast coming from the construction site.
A sudden blast of cold air rushed into the room when she opened the window.
The blast from the fireworks lit up the entire night sky.
Everyone near the accident site was startled by the powerful blast that shook the ground.
A strong blast of wind nearly knocked the cyclist off his bike.
After the blast, smoke filled the air, and visibility was greatly reduced.
The news reported a major blast at the chemical plant, and emergency services rushed to the scene.
A thunderous blast echoed through the valley, reverberating off the mountains and sending wildlife scurrying for cover.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
verb (transitive)
UK/blɑːst/US/blæst/
To explode or destroy with an explosive, or to produce a loud noise or sound; also used to mean to criticize or attack vigorously.
Example Sentences
They used dynamite to blast the old building, clearing the area for a new project.
The speakers blasted music so loudly that the neighbors began to complain.
Workers will blast through the rock to create a tunnel for the railway line.
He blasted his opponent’s argument, calling it flawed and lacking evidence.
The demolition crew plans to blast the remaining debris at noon, ensuring everyone is at a safe distance.
She blasted the news channel for its biased coverage, sparking an online debate.
In an attempt to create a new route, they had to blast a section of the mountain, causing a temporary road closure.
The critic blasted the film’s poor script in a scathing review, highlighting its weak characters and predictable plot in elaborate detail.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A powerful explosion or surge; can also mean a thrilling experience.“Blast” can work both literally and figuratively. Literally, it often refers to a strong explosion, burst of air, or forceful impact. You might say, “They used dynamite to blast through the rock,” emphasizing a loud and forceful event. In everyday contexts, “blast” can describe a fun or exhilarating time, such as, “We had a blast at the party,” meaning everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. In professional or academic writings, “blast” might relate to industrial processes (e.g., 'sandblasting' in construction) or scientific phenomena (e.g., a 'shock wave' in physics). When instructing someone, you might say, “Stand clear while we blast the debris,” conveying caution and the expectation of a powerful effect. In a more casual sense, “blast” can also appear as a verb meaning to loudly project music—“He blasted his favorite tunes all evening.” Clarity comes from context: choose “blast” for strong, dynamic actions or to describe lively, upbeat experiences. Pair it with direct objects—like 'blast a hole,' 'blast music,' or 'blast away obstacles'—to illustrate the intensity or excitement. Above all, “blast” conveys energy, whether explosive, celebratory, or somewhere in between.
Alternatives
Depending on context, you may prefer alternatives like “explosion” or “burst” to highlight the physical or destructive aspect. If you’re describing a thrilling social event, “great time,” “fantastic experience,” or “wild party” might work well instead of “blast.” For more formal texts dealing with construction or demolition, “detonate,” “rupture,” or “fracture” can be fitting synonyms, focusing on the technical action. If you want a term for a sudden surge of energy without the destructive connotation, you could use “rush,” “surge,” or “outburst.” Meanwhile, if you need a noun signifying loudness or powerful impact in everyday conversation, “boom” or “bang” might offer an onomatopoeic flair. Select a term that best reflects your tone and audience—whether you’re writing about industrial demolition, hosting a lively gathering, or describing a metaphorical jolt of enthusiasm. Tailoring the word to context ensures readers or listeners grasp the scale, intensity, and nature of the event or sensation you want to convey.
Writing
When writing about “blast,” clarity hinges on specifying whether you’re referring to a literal explosion, a burst of energy, or a thrilling event. If your topic involves destructive power—perhaps in construction or action-packed fiction—emphasize the force, noise, and impact by detailing the aftermath or the setting. For instance, 'The blast tore through the building, leaving rubble in its wake' captures drama and consequences. Alternatively, if “blast” is used figuratively—like describing a joyous occasion—offer cues for how exhilarating it felt: 'We had a blast dancing until midnight, with everyone singing along to their favorite tunes.' Such detail helps the reader sense the atmosphere of excitement. In more technical or scientific writing, anchor your usage with data or clear definitions: 'During the controlled blast, seismic instruments recorded the wave’s velocity.' This anchors the reader in precise context. By adding adjectives ('massive blast,' 'sudden blast') or pairing it with sensory descriptions (deafening sound, searing heat), you sharpen the word’s effect. Overall, 'blast' is a powerful term that injects intensity, whether describing literal destruction, lively fun, or a figurative surge. Strategically selecting and contextualizing it helps your writing remain vivid and precise without confusion about your intent.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “blast” often shows up to describe high-energy fun or surprising events. You might recall a lively weekend by saying, “I had a blast at my friend’s barbecue,” letting people know it was a fantastic time. When you’re excited about something upcoming—a concert, festival, or trip—exclaiming, “It’s going to be a blast!” sets a playful, upbeat tone. If a friend shares that their band finally performed onstage, responding with, “Wow, I bet that was a blast!” acknowledges how thrilling that must have been. On the flip side, “blast” also surfaces when something literally explodes or resonates loudly: “The car engine gave off a blast of smoke.” In casual chats, you could say, “He blasted the radio,” meaning it was turned up at full volume, or “We need to blast away these weeds,” in a slightly exaggerated manner for comedic effect. By default, though, “having a blast” is a cheerful phrase. It signals good vibes and shared amusement, which makes it a go-to term for recounting parties, sporting events, or nights out. If you pair it with descriptive anecdotes (“We had a blast trying weird ice-cream flavors”), you help your listener picture the fun and join in on your enthusiasm.
Etymology
The word “blast” has Germanic roots, tracing back to the Proto-Germanic term *blæsan, meaning “to blow” or “to puff.” Old English adopted a related form, often pointing to strong gusts of wind or a sudden rush of air. Over centuries, this sense of forceful movement naturally expanded to include loud, explosive phenomena—like a gunshot’s blast or the detonation of explosives in mining operations. By the 16th and 17th centuries, “blast” was firmly associated with both the sound and shockwave of an explosion. In more recent times, “blast” picked up a friendlier, figurative meaning: a 'great time' or 'exciting event.' This shift likely sprang from the idea of a burst of energy or euphoria—akin to a sudden, blowing force of happiness. Today, the term easily transitions from describing a destructive explosion to capturing a moment of intense pleasure or fun. This dual usage underscores how language evolves, linking a physical, potentially dangerous phenomenon with something thrilling or delightful—reflecting the many ways humans experience 'bursts' of powerful energy.