What does explosive mean?
Explosive describes anything capable of exploding — bursting outward with sudden violence and releasing energy rapidly. In its literal sense it applies to substances such as dynamite, TNT, and nitroglycerin, as well as to devices built from them, and it serves as a noun for such materials themselves, as in 'demolition experts handled the explosives'. Beyond chemistry, the word extends powerfully into figurative territory: an 'explosive situation' is one poised on the edge of violence or scandal, 'explosive anger' suggests a temper that detonates without warning, and 'explosive growth' conveys dramatic, unstoppable expansion. This dual character makes the word vivid and versatile, lending urgency to everything from news reporting to sports commentary. Derived from the Latin verb 'explodere', meaning originally to drive off a performer by noisy clapping, 'explosive' carries within it a surprising theatrical history. Whether describing munitions or tempers, it always signals stored energy awaiting release.
Able or likely to explode; involving or characterized by sudden violent release of energy; figuratively, prone to sudden eruption, whether of emotion, conflict, or rapid change.
"Workers discovered a cache of explosive material beneath the bridge."
Widely used both literally and figuratively; the figurative use is common in journalism and politics.
A substance or device capable of exploding, especially one used in blasting, demolition, mining, or weaponry.
"Miners set the explosives along the tunnel wall before the blast."
Usually countable; often used in the plural ('explosives') to refer to such materials collectively.
As a noun, 'explosives' is the standard plural, commonly referring collectively to explosive materials or devices.
"Security forces recovered several explosives hidden in the vehicle."
The word 'explosive' traces back to the Latin for 'hiss at an actor off stage' — ancient audiences literally booed performers by clapping their hands together loudly, giving us both 'explode' and 'applaud'.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of explosive
Explosive comes from the Latin verb 'explodere', formed from 'ex-' (out) plus 'plaudere' (to clap or beat), which originally meant to drive a performer off stage by clapping and hissing. English adopted 'explode' in the early seventeenth century, first in this theatrical sense and soon after in the modern sense of bursting violently, and 'explosive' followed as its adjective and noun form. The same Latin root 'plaudere' also gives English 'applaud', 'applause', and 'plausible'.
Related word forms
How explosive is actually used
As an adjective, 'explosive' applies both literally (to materials that detonate) and figuratively (to tense situations, volatile emotions, or rapid growth, as in 'explosive growth'). The figurative use carries strong connotations of danger and unpredictability. As a noun it is typically countable ('an explosive', 'plastic explosives') and often appears in technical, military, or mining contexts.
Easily confused with explosive
'Explosive' means able to burst violently outward or tending to sudden outbursts, while 'expansive' means broad, extensive, or friendly and open in manner.