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Bang Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bang

[béƋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

loud noise

A sudden loud noise, such as an explosion or gunshot.

Synonyms

blast, crash, explosion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bang

A sudden, loud noise often caused by a hitting or striking action, like a door slamming or a firecracker going off.

  • I heard a loud bang coming from the kitchen.
  • The kids made a bang with their toy guns.
explosion

A violent and loud blowing apart of something, often due to a chemical reaction or ignition. It is typically associated with bombs, fireworks, or industrial accidents.

  • The factory explosion resulted in a huge fire.
  • Everyone fled the building after the explosion.
crash

A loud, sudden noise caused by something large breaking or hitting another object violently, such as a car accident or something heavy falling.

  • There was a terrible crash as the two cars collided.
  • I heard a crash in the middle of the night and found the vase shattered on the floor.
blast

A powerful explosion or burst of air, often associated with bombs or loud, impactful events. It can also describe a strong wind or loud sound.

  • The blast from the bomb was felt miles away.
  • She felt the blast of cold air as she opened the door.

Examples of usage

  • The bang of the firework echoed through the night sky.
  • I heard a loud bang coming from the kitchen.
Context #2 | Verb

hit forcefully

To strike or hit something forcefully, often causing a loud noise.

Synonyms

hit, pound, slam.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bang

When used as a verb, it often indicates striking something violently which results in a loud noise.

  • He banged on the table to get everyone's attention.
  • She accidentally banged her knee against the coffee table.
hit

This verb is very general and can describe the action of striking someone or something. It can be used in physical or metaphorical senses and does not necessarily imply a loud noise or sudden action.

  • He hit the ball with the bat.
  • The news hit me like a ton of bricks.
slam

This word is used to describe something being closed or struck with sudden force, usually involving a loud noise. It can also be used metaphorically to suggest harsh criticism.

  • He slammed the door as he left the room.
  • She slammed him for his carelessness in the report.
pound

This verb suggests hitting something repeatedly with force. It often implies persistence and can be used either literally or figuratively.

  • She was pounding on the door, trying to get someone's attention.
  • The rain pounded against the roof all night.

Examples of usage

  • He banged the door shut behind him.
  • She banged her fist on the table in frustration.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • A 'bang' in physics often refers to a sound wave, which occurs when an object moves faster than the speed of sound, creating a sonic boom.
  • 'Big Bang' theory describes the universe's origin from an extremely hot and dense state, marking the start of time and space.
  • Acoustic science studies how sound waves propagating can create varying loudness levels, with 'bang' being among the loudest sounds.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'bang for your buck' means getting a good deal or value for your money, popularized in business and marketing.
  • In music, 'bang' is often used in song lyrics to portray excitement or celebration, commonly seen in genres like pop and hip-hop.
  • Several action movies use 'bang' in their titles or dialogues to evoke a sense of adventure, danger, or excitement.

Literature

  • The term 'bang' is often used in poetry and prose to convey sudden actions or dramatic moments, creating vivid imagery.
  • Writers like Edgar Allan Poe have used loud sounds, including 'bang', to build suspense in their narratives.
  • Comic books frequently depict action with 'bang!' sound effects, enhancing the energy and drama of the illustrated scenes.

Psychology

  • Loud noises, like a 'bang', can trigger the fight-or-flight response, preparing individuals to react quickly.
  • Research shows that unexpected sounds can increase heart rate and adrenaline rush, often linked to survival instincts.
  • 'Soundscapes' in environments can influence mood, with sudden 'bangs' potentially causing stress or alertness.

Origin of 'bang'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'bang' likely comes from the Middle English 'bang', meaning a blow or hit.
  • In the 19th century, 'bang' started being used to describe sudden loud noises, especially from explosions or collisions.
  • It is also related to the Scottish word 'bang', emphasizing a striking sound.

The word 'bang' originated in the early 16th century and is believed to be of imitative origin, representing the sound of an abrupt impact or explosion. It has been used to describe sudden loud noises and forceful impacts in various contexts throughout history.

See also: bangers, banging, bangs.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,153, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.