blast - Dictionary definition and pronunciation

blast

(bl

st) KEY

NOUN:

1. A very strong gust of wind or air.
2. The effect of such a gust.
A forcible stream of air, gas, or steam from an opening, especially one in a blast furnace to aid combustion.
1. A sudden loud sound, especially one produced by a stream of forced air: a piercing blast from the steam whistle.
2. The act of producing such a sound: gave a blast on his trumpet.
1. A violent explosion, as of dynamite or a bomb.
2. The violent effect of such an explosion, consisting of a wave of increased atmospheric pressure followed immediately by a wave of decreased pressure.
3. An explosive charge.
Botany Any of several plant diseases of diverse causes, resulting in sudden death of buds, flowers, foliage, or young fruits.
A destructive or damaging influence.
A powerful hit, blow, or shot.
A violent verbal assault or outburst: The candidate leveled a blast at her opponent.
Slang A highly exciting or pleasurable experience or event, such as a big party.

VERB:
blast·ed , blast·ing , blasts
VERB:
tr.

To knock down or shatter by or as if by explosion; smash.
To play or sound loudly: The referees blasted their whistles.
1. To hit with great force: The batter blasted the ball to right field.
2. To kill or destroy by hitting or shooting.
To have a harmful or destructive effect on.
To cause to shrivel, wither, or mature imperfectly by or as if by blast or blight: crops that were blasted by frost.
To make or open by or as if by explosion: blast a tunnel through the mountains.
To criticize or attack vigorously.

VERB:
intr.

To use or detonate explosives.
To emit a loud, intense sound; blare: speakers blasting at full volume.
To wither or shrivel or mature imperfectly.
To criticize or attack with vigor.
To shoot.
Electronics To distort sound recording or transmission by overloading a microphone or loudspeaker.

PHRASAL VERB:
blast off

To take off, as a rocket.

IDIOM:
full blast

At full speed, volume, or capacity: turned the radio up full blast.

ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old English blst; see bhl- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
blaster (Noun)

SYNONYMS:
blast , blight , dash ¹ , nip ¹ , wreck

These verbs mean to have a pernicious, destructive, or ruinous effect on something: actions that blasted the chance for peace; hopes blighted by ill wishes; ambitions dashed by lack of funds; plans nipped in the bud; a life wrecked by depression.

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Definition of blast