n., v., & int.
n. 1 a strong gust of wind. 2 a a destructive wave of highly compressed air spreading outwards from an explosion. b such an explosion. 3 the single loud note of a wind instrument, car horn, whistle, etc. 4 colloq. a severe reprimand. 5 a strong current of air used in smelting etc.
v. 1 tr. blow up (rocks etc.) with explosives. 2 tr. a wither, shrivel, or blight (a plant, animal, limb, etc.) (blasted oak). b destroy, ruin (blasted her hopes). c strike with divine anger; curse. 3 intr. & tr. make or cause to make a loud or explosive noise (blasted away on his trumpet). 4 tr. colloq. reprimand severely. 5 colloq. a tr. shoot; shoot at. b intr. shoot.
int. expressing annoyance. at full blast colloq. working at maximum speed etc. blast-furnace a smelting furnace into which compressed hot air is driven. blast-hole a hole containing an explosive charge for blasting. blast off (of a rocket etc.) take off from a launching site. blast-off n. 1 the launching of a rocket etc. 2 the initial thrust for this.
[ OE blst f. Gmc ]