Explosive: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to something that can cause an explosion or is prone to rapid and violent reactions. Can also describe a situation or emotion that escalates quickly.

• The explosive chemicals must be handled with care.
• His temper was explosive, and he could get angry easily.

Specifically used to describe something that can change suddenly and without warning, often used for liquids that evaporate quickly or financial markets, but can also refer to emotions and situations.

• The stock market is highly volatile these days.
• She's known for her volatile moods.

Describes something that is not steady, prone to change or collapse, and can be used in both physical and emotional contexts.

• The ladder looks unstable; it could fall any moment.
• After the breakup, he became emotionally unstable.

General word used to describe anything that poses a threat, can cause harm, or is risky. It covers both physical and non-physical scenarios.

• Climbing that mountain is dangerous without proper equipment.
• It's dangerous to drive without a seatbelt.

Used broadly to describe any material or substance that can cause an explosion. Often used in scientific or safety contexts.

• The scientist handled the explosive with extreme care.
• The factory must follow strict regulations for storing explosives.

Often used to describe a device designed to explode. Commonly used in military, terrorism, or crime-related contexts. It has a negative connotation.

• The police found a bomb in the abandoned building.
• The bomb squad was called to disarm the device.

Refers specifically to a type of powerful explosive invented by Alfred Nobel. Frequently used in construction, demolition, and mining.

• The construction team used dynamite to blast through the rock.
• Old buildings were brought down with dynamite.

Refers to trinitrotoluene, a specific type of explosive chemical. Commonly mentioned in both military and scientific contexts.

• TNT was used in the controlled demolition of the structure.
• The military stockpiles include significant amounts of TNT.