German word

explosiv

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛksploˈziːf/

Meaning

  • adjectiveexplosive

Example

Es gab einen explosiven Anstieg der Verkäufe.

There was an explosive rise in sales.

Illustration for explosiv (explosive)

More examples

Die explosive Situation an der Grenze sorgte für Besorgnis.

The tense situation at the border caused concern.

Core concept

A sudden outward release of force marks both a blast and a sharp surge in intensity or growth.

Common phrases

  • explosive Situation

    tense situation

  • explosiver Konflikt

    explosive conflict

Similar words

heftig: Very intense and forceful, with a strongly felt impact.
plötzlich: Happening suddenly, without warning or prior indication.
stark: Very great in degree, strength, or impact.
gewaltig: Extremely powerful or large in scale, with an overwhelming effect.

Definition in German

So beschaffen, dass etwas plötzlich und mit großer Kraft auseinanderbricht oder sehr rasch zunimmt.

Word origin

German 'explosiv' is a learned borrowing from French 'explosif', ultimately based on Latin 'explosivus' from 'explodere'.

Usage tips

  • Before a noun, 'explosiv' takes normal adjective endings, as in 'ein explosiver Anstieg' and 'eine explosive Mischung'; after 'sein' it stays 'explosiv'.

Other meanings

  • rapidadjective
  • tenseadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Explosivitätexplosivenessnoun
  • explosionsartigexplosive-likeadjective

Word lists with this word