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.
Phrases and idioms:
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.
Etymology: OE bl{aelig}st f. Gmc