blast

A sudden violent explosion, especially one that causes damage.

• The blast broke every window.
• Three people were injured in the blast.
• Workers used controlled blasts to remove the rock.

Similar words: explosion, bang

Common phrases: bomb blast, powerful blast, controlled blast

One period of blowing air into a furnace to heat a batch of metal or rock containing metal.

• They melted the iron at a single blast.
• Each blast treated a fresh charge of ore.
• The workers measured how much metal each blast produced.

Common phrases: at a blast, single blast, furnace blast

A strong, angry criticism of someone or something.

• The boss gave me a blast.
• Her latest blast at the council surprised nobody.
• He received a blast for losing the documents.

How to use it: a blast at someone/something (The speech included a blast at the government's spending.)

Similar words: scolding, reprimand, verbal attack

Common phrases: give someone a blast, blast at someone, angry blast

To make a very loud noise, or play music very loudly.

• The radio was blasting all morning.
• He blasted his horn at the crossing.
• Why are you blasting music so late?

How to use it: blast out something (The speakers blasted out a cheerful song.)

Similar words: blare

Common phrases: blast music, blast out music, blast the horn

To make a hole or opening in something using an explosion or another sudden, powerful force.

• They blasted a hole in the wall.
• The crew blasted through solid rock.
• An explosion had blasted the locked door open.

How to use it: blast a hole in something (The explosion blasted a hole in the roof.); blast through something (Workers blasted through the rock to build the tunnel.)

Similar words: blow open

Common phrases: blast a hole, blast through something, blast something open

To fire a gun at someone or something, often many times.

• He blasted the lock with a shotgun.
• The robbers were blasting at the police.
• An armed guard blasted away as the truck escaped.

How to use it: blast at someone/something (The soldiers blasted at the approaching vehicle.)

Similar words: shoot, fire at

Common phrases: blast someone, blast at someone, blast away

To express anger by wishing harm on someone or something.

• Blast it, I've lost my keys!
• 'Blast you!' he shouted at the thief.
• Blast this machine; it never works properly.

Similar words: curse

Opposites: bless

Common phrases: blast it, blast you, blast the thing