Pronunciation: [blˈə͡ʊʌp] (IPA) 
The word "blowup" can be spelled in two ways, with or without a hyphen. The pronunciation is /ˈbloʊʌp/ and is made up of two syllables. The first syllable is pronounced with a long "o" sound /oʊ/ followed by a short "u" sound /ʌ/. The second syllable is pronounced with a short "u" sound followed by a silent "p". The word refers to an explosion or sudden increase in size or intensity, usually referring to a situation or problem.
Blowup is a noun that can have multiple meanings depending on the context. It is typically used to describe a sudden and intense burst of energy or force. Here is a 200-word dictionary definition of blowup:
Blowup, in its primary sense, refers to a sudden explosion or bursting apart caused by pressure or excessive internal energy. This can occur in various settings, such as a chemical laboratory experiment gone wrong or the detonation of a bomb. In a metaphorical sense, blowup can also denote an outbreak of intense anger, a sudden emotional outburst characterized by an explosive release of emotions. It captures the idea of losing control and erupting in a fit of fury or outrage.
Furthermore, blowup can also refer to a significant enlargement or magnification of an image or photograph, typically done to enhance details or facilitate better understanding or appreciation. This is commonly achieved through the use of optical equipment or digital technology. In the world of cinematography and photography, blowup can also refer to creating a larger print or projection of a film or image, often executed for artistic or practical purposes.
Additionally, blowup can describe a sudden expansion or increase in size, magnitude, or scale of something, such as a business, market, or population. This growth often occurs rapidly and unexpectedly, leading to significant changes in the circumstances or environment. This sense of blowup is commonly observed in economic contexts and demographic analyses.
Overall, blowup encompasses the concepts of sudden explosion, emotional eruption, image enlargement, and significant expansion, serving as a versatile term with various applications across multiple domains.
The word "blowup" has its etymology rooted in the verb "blow", which originated from Middle English and Old English. The verb "blow" originally referred to the act of producing air, wind, or breath from one's mouth. Over time, it gained various figurative meanings.
The term "blowup" emerged as a compound word, combining the verb "blow" with the preposition "up". In this context, "up" denotes an increase in size, volume, or intensity. Thus, "blowup" essentially means "to cause to expand or become larger as a result of blowing".
The term "blowup" started being used metaphorically to describe sudden or explosive growth, expansion, or increase in a range of contexts.
