explosive
gb/ɪksplˈoʊsɪv/ us/ɪksplˈoʊsɪv/
B1
English
~ 5000
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
Able to blow up easily
Able to blow up or burst suddenly.
Usage pattern:
[something] is explosive
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'explosive' with 'exploding', using it for something that has already exploded rather than something that can explode.
Synonyms
combustible (Suggests the ability to catch fire but not necessarily explode.)
Antonyms
stable (Not likely to change suddenly or explode.)
Collocations
explosive device
|explosive material
|explosive gas
|highly explosive
Themes
science
|safety
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The factory stored highly explosive chemicals.
- This gas is explosive when mixed with air.
- They handled the explosive material with extreme care.
Learner examples
- The bomb was explosive.
- Gasoline is explosive.
- That powder is explosive.
Noun
B1
entity
2
Substance that can blow up
A thing, like a bomb or powder, that can blow up.
Usage pattern:
use [an] explosive to [do something]
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse 'explosive' as a noun with 'explosion', which is the event of blowing up.
Synonyms
bomb (A specific device containing explosives, not the substance itself.)
Antonyms
inert material (Material that does not react or explode.)
Collocations
plastic explosive
|military explosives
|handle explosives
Themes
science
|safety
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The miners used explosives to break through the rock.
- Police found explosives hidden in the vehicle.
- Dynamite is a common type of explosive.
Learner examples
- They used explosives to open the tunnel.
- The police found explosives in the bag.
- Dynamite is an explosive.
adjective
B2
property
3
Likely to react suddenly and strongly
Quick to get angry or show strong feelings suddenly.
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] is explosive
Common mistake:
Learners may mix this meaning with the physical sense of 'able to explode', but here it refers to emotions or behavior.
Synonyms
volatile (Often used for people or situations that change mood suddenly.)
Antonyms
calm (Not showing sudden strong emotion or reaction.)
Collocations
explosive temper
|explosive situation
|explosive argument
Themes
emotions
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He has an explosive temper when provoked.
- The meeting ended in an explosive argument.
- The political situation became explosive after the announcement.
Learner examples
- She has an explosive temper.
- The fight was explosive.
- The room was full of explosive anger.
Grammar
Dictionary form
explosive
IPA
GB/ɪksplˈoʊsɪv/
US/ɪksplˈoʊsɪv/
Syllables & stress
ex - plos - ive (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (plos)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: explosive
Noun
- Base: explosive
- Plural: explosives
Word family
Forms
explosives
noun
Core family
Negative and opposite forms
non-explosive
adjective
Advanced or less common
explosiveness
noun
Expressions
explosive device
1/ɪksplˈoʊsɪv dɪvˈaɪs/
fixed phrase
technical
Object made to explode and harm
A bomb or similar object made to blow up and cause harm.
Examples
- The army discovered an explosive device near the border.
- Police safely removed the explosive device from the building.
explosive growth
1/ɪksplˈoʊsɪv ɡɹˈoʊθ/
fixed phrase
Very fast increase or expansion
A very fast and large increase in something.
Examples
- The company experienced explosive growth after launching its new product.
- There has been explosive growth in smartphone use over the past decade.
explosive situation
1/ɪksplˈoʊsɪv sˌɪt͡ʃuˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
Situation likely to erupt suddenly
A situation that could quickly turn into a fight or trouble.
Examples
- The negotiations created an explosive situation between the two sides.
- It was an explosive situation, and everyone was tense.