What does blast mean?
Blast refers most centrally to an explosion or the violent shock wave it produces, capable of shattering glass and flattening structures. Beyond this literal sense, the word covers a sudden forceful gust of wind, the piercing sound of a trumpet or car horn, and — informally — a thoroughly enjoyable time, as in "we had a blast." As a verb, blast means to demolish or blow apart with explosives, but also to criticize someone savagely or to emit loud noise, as in music played at full blast. The word carries connotations of power, violence, and intensity in its literal uses, yet its informal figurative sense is cheerful and colloquial. It appears frequently in news reporting on accidents and attacks, in descriptions of weather, and in everyday speech about fun and noise alike. Derived forms include the adjective "blasted," used as a mild expression of irritation.
An explosion, or the destructive shock wave produced by one; also a sudden strong gust of air, a loud blaring sound, or (informally) a very enjoyable experience.
"The miners set the charge, and the blast brought down tons of rock."
To destroy, blow apart, or shape something using explosives or powerful force; also to criticize severely or to make a loud noise.
"Critics blasted the new policy as short-sighted."
Standard plural, used mainly for repeated explosions, gusts, or horn sounds.
"Several blasts were heard across the valley during the mining operation."
The same short word that describes a bomb going off also means a really fun party — and it's been blowing through English since before the Norman Conquest.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of blast
Blast comes from Old English blǣst, meaning a blowing or gust of wind, derived from Proto-Germanic roots connected to the verb "to blow." Its original sense was therefore a current of air rather than an explosion — a meaning still alive in phrases like "a blast of cold air." The explosive sense developed later, after gunpowder made such destruction possible, and the informal sense of "a lively good time" arose in American English in the twentieth century. A Germanic cognate survives in German blasen, meaning "to blow."
Related word forms
How blast is actually used
In informal American and British English, "a blast" commonly means a great time ("the party was a blast"). The verb ranges from literal (demolition, mining) to figurative (harsh criticism, loud music). "Blasted" works as a mild informal intensifier expressing annoyance.