explosion etymology

Etymology:

  • Latin: explosio ("a burst out"), from explodere ("to clap out," "to drive out by clapping," "to let loose with a noise")
  • ex- ("out, out of, away") + plaudere ("to clap")

Meaning and Origin:

The word "explosion" first appeared in English in the late 14th century. It originally referred to a loud, sudden noise, such as the sound of a clap of thunder or the discharge of a firearm.

Over time, the meaning of "explosion" expanded to include any violent release of energy, such as the detonation of a bomb or the eruption of a volcano. In modern usage, the term typically denotes a destructive or disruptive outburst.

The original Latin word explosio was derived from the verb explodere, which meant "to clap out" or "to drive out by clapping." This verb was often used in a figurative sense to describe the act of driving someone out of a group or community with noise and commotion.

The use of the word "explosion" to refer to a loud noise is thought to have originated from the sound of people clapping their hands to express disapproval or to drive someone away. The word later came to be associated with other loud and sudden noises, such as the discharge of a firearm or the eruption of a volcano.

explosion relate terms

  • explode

    Etymology Explode is derived from the Latin term explodere which means to drive out

  • explosion

    Etymology Latin explosio a burst out from explodere to clap out to drive out

  • explosion

    Etymology Latin explosio a burst out from explodere to clap out to drive out

  • burst

    Etymology The word burst comes from the Middle English word bersten which is derive

  • Parthenon

    Etymology The word Parthenon comes from the Greek word parthenos which means virgin

  • blast

    Etymology The term blast has an Old English origin Old English blæst Proto Germ

  • report

    Etymology Report derives from the Anglo Norman French verb reporter meaning to brin

  • crater

    Etymology The word crater is derived from the Greek word krater which means mixing

  • safety

    Etymology The word safety is derived from the Old French word sauveté which in turn

  • bide

    Etymology The word bide comes from Old English bidan meaning to wait remain or e

  • noise

    Etymology Old French noyse from Latin nausea seasickness nausea Meaning Any

  • post

    Etymology From Middle English post from Anglo Norman and Old French post from Latin p

  • spot

    Etymology The word spot traces its origins back to Old English OE specifically to t