Bomb

/bɒm/

Meaning & Definition

noun

An explosive weapon that is designed to explode under specific conditions.

The military deployed a bomb to neutralize the target.

A powerful event or situation that has negative effects, often unexpectedly.

The new movie was a total bomb at the box office.

verb

To attack or destroy with bombs.

The forces bombed the enemy positions during the night.

To fail completely; to be a failure.

The comedian bombed during his set at the comedy club.

Middle English 'bomme', possibly from Latin 'bombus' (a buzzing or humming sound).

drop a bomb

To make a shocking or surprising revelation.

bomb squad

A specialized unit that deals with defusing explosive devices.

bombshell

An unexpected and shocking event or news.

grenade

A small explosive device thrown by hand or launched.

missile

A weapon that is self-propelled or directed by remote control.

explosion

A sudden and violent release of energy.

Great; excellent.

That concert was the bomb!

A failure; something that did not go well.

His last project was a total bomb.