Meltdown: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used in everyday language to describe an emotional collapse or a significant failure in any system.

• She had a complete meltdown when she found out she hadn't been accepted into the program.
• The financial markets experienced a major meltdown last year.

Specifically refers to a severe nuclear reactor accident where the reactor core is damaged due to overheating.

• The safety measures failed, leading to a core meltdown.
• The engineers are trained to handle a core meltdown situation.

Refers to a severe nuclear reactor accident that involves nuclear fuel overheating and melting. Often used in contexts discussing nuclear power plants and their safety.

• The nuclear meltdown at Fukushima had devastating effects on the region.
• Preventing a nuclear meltdown is the highest priority of plant operators.

Describes a severe failure in a nuclear reactor where the reactor overheats and melts, leading to the release of radioactivity. Used mainly in technical discussions about nuclear reactors.

• Proper cooling systems can prevent a reactor meltdown.
• The team is assessing the risks of a potential reactor meltdown.

In this context, it refers more to a sudden, uncontrollable emotional response, often used for children or in informal situations.

• The toddler had a meltdown in the middle of the store

Often used to describe a severe mental or emotional collapse usually after a long period of stress or pressure. This term is more formal and might be used in both clinical and informal conversations.

• She went through an emotional breakdown after losing her job

Commonly used to describe a child’s explosive and usually uncontrollable anger or frustration. Often used informally and contextually for children.

• The child threw a tantrum when he didn't get any candy

Refers to a sudden release of strong emotion, usually anger. It often occurs unexpectedly and can be in various settings.

• He had an outburst of anger during the meeting