Nuke
/njuːk/
Meaning & Definition
noun
A nuclear weapon.
The military continues to develop advanced nuke technology.
A powerful or destructive situation, often referring metaphorically to something that causes widespread damage.
The company's decision to cut jobs was a nuke to employee morale.
verb
To attack or destroy with a nuclear weapon.
The enemy base was nuked in a coordinated military operation.
To destroy completely, often used informally to mean overwhelming or annihilating.
The team nuked their competition in the playoffs.
To heat food in a microwave oven; to microwave.
I just need to nuke my leftovers for a quick lunch.
Etymology
Shortened form of 'nuclear weapon'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
nuke the fridge
To reach a point where something is deemed implausible or unrealistic.
nuke it
To use a microwave to cook food quickly.
Related Words
nuclear
Relating to the nucleus of an atom.
atom bomb
A bomb that uses nuclear reactions to produce an explosion.
Slang Meanings
To completely destroy or ruin something.
He totally nuked his chances of getting that job by being late.
To intensely or excessively do something.
I just nuked my workout today.