blast (blăst)
n.

1. 1. A very strong gust of wind or air.
   2. The effect of such a gust.
2. A forcible stream of air, gas, or steam from an opening, especially one in a blast furnace to aid combustion.
3. 1. A sudden loud sound, especially one produced by a stream of forced air: a piercing blast from the steam whistle.
   2. The act of producing such a sound: gave a blast on his trumpet.
4. 1. A violent explosion, as of dynamite or a bomb.
   2. The violent effect of such an explosion, consisting of a wave of increased atmospheric pressure followed immediately by a wave of decreased pressure.
   3. An explosive charge.
5. Botany. Any of several plant diseases of diverse causes, resulting in sudden death of buds, flowers, foliage, or young fruits.
6. A destructive or damaging influence.
7. A powerful hit, blow, or shot.
8. A violent verbal assault or outburst: The candidate leveled a blast at her opponent.
9. Slang. A highly exciting or pleasurable experience or event, such as a big party.

v., blast·ed, blast·ing, blasts.

v.tr.

1. To knock down or shatter by or as if by explosion; smash.
2. To play or sound loudly: The referees blasted their whistles.
3. 1. To hit with great force: The batter blasted the ball to right field.
   2. To kill or destroy by hitting or shooting.
4. To have a harmful or destructive effect on.
5. To cause to shrivel, wither, or mature imperfectly by or as if by blast or blight: crops that were blasted by frost.
6. To make or open by or as if by explosion: blast a tunnel through the mountains.
7. To criticize or attack vigorously.

v.intr.

1. To use or detonate explosives.
2. To emit a loud, intense sound; blare: speakers blasting at full volume.
3. To wither or shrivel or mature imperfectly.
4. To criticize or attack with vigor.
5. To shoot.
6. Electronics. To distort sound recording or transmission by overloading a microphone or loudspeaker.

phrasal verb:

blast off

1. To take off, as a rocket.

idiom:

full blast

1. At full speed, volume, or capacity: turned the radio up full blast.

[Middle English, from Old English blǣst.]

blaster blast'er n.

SYNONYMS   blast, blight, dash, nip, wreck. These verbs mean to have a pernicious, destructive, or ruinous effect on something: actions that blasted the chance for peace; hopes blighted by ill wishes; ambitions dashed by lack of funds; plans nipped in the bud; a life wrecked by depression.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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