blast

I. noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old English blǣst; akin to Old High German blāst blast, blāsan to blow, Old English blāwan — more at blow Date: before 12th century 1. a. a violent gust of wind b. the effect or accompaniment (as sleet) of such a gust 2. the sound produced by an impulsion of air through a wind instrument or whistle 3. something resembling a gust of wind: as a. a stream of air or gas forced through a hole b. a vehement outburst c. the continuous blowing to which a charge of ore or metal is subjected in a blast furnace 4. a. a sudden pernicious influence or effect <

the blast of a huge epidemic

> b. a disease of plants marked by the formation of destructive lesions on leaves and inflorescences 5. a. an explosion or violent detonation b. the shock wave of an explosion c. a forceful hit (as in baseball) or shot (as in soccer or golf); especially home run 6. speed, capacity, operation <

go full blast

> <

in full blast

> 7. an enjoyably exciting experience, occasion, or event <

I had a blast

>; especially party II. verb Date: 14th century intransitive verb 1. blare <

music blasting from the radio

> 2. to make a vigorous attack 3. a. to use an explosive b. shoot 4. to hit a golf ball out of a sand trap with explosive force 5. to proceed rapidly or aggressively <

blasting down the ski slope

> transitive verb 1. a. to injure by or as if by the action of wind b. blight 2. a. to shatter by or as if by an explosive b. to remove, open, or form by or as if by an explosive c. shoot 3. to attack vigorously 4. to cause to blast off <

will blast themselves from the moon's surface

> 5. to hit vigorously and effectively <

blasted a home run

> 6. to play loudly <

blasting rock music on the stereo

> • blaster noun