plural blasts
1
a
: a mass of air that moves very quickly and forcefully
She opened the door and felt a cold blast.
a blast of wind
b
: a mass of water, gas, heat, etc., that moves very quickly and forcefully through the air
He was hit by a blast of water from the hose.
a blast of heat
2
: the loud sound made by a horn or a whistle
The driver gave a long blast on his horn.
the blast of the factory whistle
a bugle blast
3
: a powerful explosion
The bomb blast killed eight people.
a shotgun blast
4
: a sudden powerful force
She got a blast of reality when she returned to school in the fall.
a blast of criticism
5
informal
: a very enjoyable and exciting experience
I had a blast at your party.
The wedding was a blast.
blasts; blasted; blasting
1
a
: to destroy, break apart, or remove (something) with an explosive
Workers were blasting rock where the new highway will go.
The rock has been blasted away.
Workers were blasting (away) at the rock.
b
: to create (a space or opening) with explosives
The explosion blasted a hole in the side of the ship.
blast a tunnel
2
: to strongly criticize (someone or something) especially in public
The mayor was blasted by the local press.
The judge blasted the lawyers for delaying the trial.
Human rights groups have blasted the government for its treatment of political prisoners.
3
: to shoot (something or someone) with a weapon
He blasted his rival with a pistol.
A gunship blasted enemy headquarters.
They blasted the enemy plane out of the sky.
Machine guns were blasting.
The soldiers were blasting (away) at the advancing enemy.
4
: to hit (something or someone) with a mass of water, air, etc., that is moving forcefully
She blasted us with water from the hose.
They used an air hose to blast dust off the machine.
5
: to hit or kick (something) with great force
He blasted the puck past the goalie.
She blasted the ball over the fence for a home run.
6
: to make a loud and usually unpleasant sound : blare
Their music was blasting all night.
The television was blasting in the other room.
A radio was blasting music in the next room.
informal
—used to express anger or annoyance
Blast it! I forgot my keys!
Cite this Entry
“Blast.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/blast. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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