Is the word blockbuster a compound word?

Answer 1

Yes. The word combines a "dimension" word with a description of how it acts. The word was originally applied to a large military bomb that could literally destroy or severely damage an entire city block. The term was later applied to a process of ethnic integration in which a few minority families would relocate into majority neighborhoods to reduce property values. The basic use for the term is "something tremendous", and was used to advertise motion pictures which drew (or expected to draw) large audiences or wide acclaim.