/ ɪkˈspləʊsɪv; -zɪv; NAmE -ˈsploʊ-/ adjective , noun
■ adjective
1.
easily able or likely to explode :
an explosive device (= a bomb)
an explosive mixture of chemicals
2.
likely to cause violence or strong feelings of anger or hatred :
a potentially explosive situation
3.
often having sudden violent or angry feelings :
an explosive temper
4.
increasing suddenly and rapidly :
the explosive growth of the export market
5.
( of a sound ) sudden and loud
► ex·plo·sive·ly adverb
■ noun
[ C , U ] a substance that is able or likely to cause an explosion :
plastic explosives
The bomb was packed with several pounds of high explosive .