blast
Describes something relating to a sudden, forceful explosion or a powerful, localized stream of air or fluid. In academic and technical contexts, it often refers to the physical impact of a detonation or, in biology, to undifferentiated cells at an early stage of development.
Examples
3 of 5The workers had to wear protective gear near the blast furnace to avoid the intense heat.
The workers had to wear protective gear near the blast furnace to avoid the intense heat.
The structural integrity of the building was compromised by the primary blast wave.
The structural integrity of the building was compromised by the primary blast wave.
We were hit by a blast wind as soon as we opened the door to the freezer.
We were hit by a blast wind as soon as we opened the door to the freezer.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Blast' as 'Big Loud Air Sounding Tough.' It always involves a sudden release of energy or air.
Quick Quiz
Scientists measured the pressure of the _____ wave immediately following the controlled explosion.
Correct!
The correct answer is: blast
Examples
The workers had to wear protective gear near the blast furnace to avoid the intense heat.
everydayThe workers had to wear protective gear near the blast furnace to avoid the intense heat.
The structural integrity of the building was compromised by the primary blast wave.
formalThe structural integrity of the building was compromised by the primary blast wave.
We were hit by a blast wind as soon as we opened the door to the freezer.
informalWe were hit by a blast wind as soon as we opened the door to the freezer.
The study analyzes the differentiation of the blast cell in bone marrow samples.
academicThe study analyzes the differentiation of the blast cell in bone marrow samples.
Our marketing team decided on a blast email strategy to reach all subscribers at once.
businessOur marketing team decided on a blast email strategy to reach all subscribers at once.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
at full blast
at maximum power or volume
blast from the past
something that reminds you of the past
have a blast
to have a great time
Often Confused With
A blast is typically a forced explosion or gust outward, while a burst often implies a container breaking open from internal pressure.
Usage Notes
When used as an adjective (attributive), 'blast' is placed immediately before the noun it modifies (e.g., blast zone). It is rarely used as a predicative adjective (e.g., you wouldn't say 'the wind was blast').
Common Mistakes
Learners often use the noun form 'blast' when they should use the past participle 'blasted' to describe something that has been destroyed.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Blast' as 'Big Loud Air Sounding Tough.' It always involves a sudden release of energy or air.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old English 'blæst', meaning a blowing or a breeze, related to the German 'blasen' (to blow).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In American culture, 'having a blast' is a very common idiomatic way to express enjoyment at a social event.
Quick Quiz
Scientists measured the pressure of the _____ wave immediately following the controlled explosion.
Correct!
The correct answer is: blast
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
bluster
C1Bluster refers to loud, aggressive, or indignant talk that carries little sting or power and is often intended to intimidate. It suggests a noisy way of speaking that lacks substance or the actual ability to carry out threats.
bogus
C1Describes something that is not genuine, counterfeit, or intentionally fraudulent. It is often used in academic and legal contexts to refer to claims, documents, or entities that have been fabricated to deceive others.
boisterous
C1Describes someone or something that is noisy, energetic, and cheerful, often in a way that is slightly out of control. It is frequently used for groups of people, activities, or natural forces like wind and waves.
bombard
C1To attack or subject someone or something to a continuous flow of objects, questions, or information. In academic and scientific contexts, it specifically refers to directing a stream of particles or radiation at a substance to induce a reaction.
adverse
C1Adverse describes conditions, effects, or events that are harmful, unfavorable, or contrary to one's interests or success. It is most commonly used in formal, technical, or medical contexts to indicate that something is working against a desired outcome.
bombastic
C1Describing speech, writing, or behavior that is high-sounding and inflated but with little actual meaning or substance. It is typically used to criticize someone for being pretentious and trying to sound more important or knowledgeable than they truly are.
bondage
C1Bondage refers to the state of being under the control of another person or system, characterized by a lack of freedom or involuntary servitude. In an academic context, it encompasses legal, social, and economic structures, such as slavery or debt peonage, that restrict an individual's autonomy.
boon
C1A boon is a timely benefit or blessing that is extremely helpful in a particular situation. It refers to something that makes life easier or provides a significant advantage when most needed.
boorish
C1Describes behavior that is rough, unrefined, and ill-mannered, typically lacking sensitivity or social grace. It suggests a lack of education or cultural sophistication in social interactions.
bootstrap
C1To start or develop a process or business using minimal external resources, often relying on existing internal assets or self-funding. In computing and statistics, it refers to a self-starting process that executes without external input or a technique for estimation through resampling.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free