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explosive
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As an adjective, explosive means with the capability to, or likely to, explode. As a noun, it means any explosive substance.
Meanings of explosive
10 meaningsadjective
With the capability to, or likely to, explode.
“an explosive device”
Having the character of an explosion.
“an explosive fire”
figurativeShocking; startling.
“an explosive accusation”
slangEasily driven to anger, usually with reference to a person.
“He has an explosive personality.”
Serving to explode or characterized by explosion or sudden outburst
“an explosive device”
“explosive gas”
“explosive force”
Liable to lead to sudden change or violence
“an explosive issue”
“a volatile situation with troops and rioters eager for a confrontation”
Similar: volatileSudden and loud
“an explosive laugh”
noun
Any explosive substance.
A chemical substance that undergoes a rapid chemical change (with the production of gas) on being heated or struck
Older and rare meanings (1)
linguisticsdatedA plosive.
Meanings from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).