blast

blast [blast, bläst]

n.

[ME < OE blæst, puff of wind < IE * bhlē-, var. of base * bhel-, to swell, blow up > BALL¹, L flare]

1. a gust of wind; strong rush of air

2. the sound of a sudden rush of air or gas, as through a trumpet

3. a strong, artificially created jet of air, steam, exhaust gases, etc.

4. the steady current of air forced into a blast furnace

5. an abrupt and damaging influence, esp. a plant blight

6.

a) an explosion, as of dynamite

b) a charge of explosive causing this

c) a wave of air of increased pressure followed by one of lower pressure radiating from an explosion

☆ 7. a strong, sudden outburst, as of criticism

☆ 8. Sports Slang a strong, driving hit, as of a baseball

☆ 9. Slang a pleasurable, exciting event or experience, as a wild party

vi.

1. to make a loud, harsh sound

2. to set off explosives, gunfire, etc.

3. to suffer or wither from a blight

vt.

1. to damage or destroy by or as if by a blight; wither; ruin

2. to blow up or move with or as with an explosive; explode

☆ 3. to attack or criticize sharply

☆ 4. Sports Slang to drive (a ball) far with a sharp blow of the bat or club

SYN.- WIND²

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☆ blast off

to take off with explosive force and begin its flight: said of a rocket, spacecraft, etc.

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at full blast or full blast

at full speed or capacity

blaster

n.