[ blα:st ]
■ noun
1》 a destructive wave of highly compressed air spreading outwards from an explosion.
2》 a strong gust of wind or air.
↘a strong current of air used in smelting.
3》 a single loud note of a horn or whistle.
4》 informal a severe reprimand.
5》 N. Amer. informal an enjoyable experience or lively party.
■ verb
1》 blow up or break apart with explosives.
2》 ( ~ off ) (of a rocket or spacecraft) take off from a launching site.
3》 produce loud continuous music or noise.
4》 informal criticize fiercely.
5》 kick or strike (a ball) hard.
6》 literary (of wind) wither or shrivel (a plant).
7》 strike with divine anger (used as a curse): damn and ~ this awful place!
■ exclamation informal expressing annoyance.
Phrases
( at ) full ~ at maximum power or intensity.
Derivatives
~er noun
Origin
OE blst , of Gmc origin; related to blaze 3 .