blast

[[t]blæst, blɑst[/t]]

n.

1) a sudden and violent gust of wind

2) the blowing of a trumpet, whistle, etc

3) a loud, sudden sound or noise:

a harsh blast from the radio[/ex]

4) a forcible stream of air from the mouth, bellows, or the like

5) mac

a) air forced into a furnace by a blower to increase the rate of combustion

b) mac a jet of steam directed up a smokestack, as of a steam locomotive, to increase draft

6) cvb a forceful throw, hit, etc.:

a blast down to third base[/ex]

7) sts Slang.

something that gives great pleasure, esp. a party

8) a vigorous outburst of criticism; attack

9) min civ the charge explosive used at one firing in blasting operations

10) the act of exploding; explosion

11) ppa any pernicious or destructive influence, esp. on animals or plants; a blight

12) ppa the sudden death of buds, flowers, or young fruit

13) to make a loud noise on; blow:

to blast a horn[/ex]

14) to cause to shrivel or wither

15) to ruin; destroy

16) to shatter by or as if by an explosion

17) to make, form, or open up by blasting:

to blast a tunnel[/ex]

18) inf to curse; damn:

Blast it, there's the phone again![/ex]

19) to criticize vigorously; denounce

20) cvb to hit or propel with great force

21) to shoot

22) to produce a loud, blaring sound

23) to shoot

24) min civ to use or detonate explosives, as a charge of dynamite

25) rkt phv blast off

a) (of a self-propelled rocket) to leave a launch pad

b) (of an astronaut) to travel aloft in a rocket

•

- (at) full blast

Etymology: bef. 1000; ME; OE blǣst a blowing blast′er, n. blast′y, adj. syn: See wind I .