bomb
bomb Lexical Profile
bomb Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An explosive weapon designed to detonate under specific conditions, causing destruction, damage, or the release of smoke or gas.
"The building was evacuated after security forces discovered a bomb hidden in the basement."
American A spectacular failure, particularly referring to a theatrical production, film, or commercial product.
"Despite its massive budget and star-studded cast, the action movie was a complete bomb at the box office."
North American A long, often highly arched forward pass in sports such as American football.
"In the final seconds of the game, the quarterback threw a fifty-yard bomb to win the championship."
• verb
To attack, damage, or destroy a target by dropping or planting explosive devices.
"During the conflict, enemy aircraft would frequently bomb the city's industrial sectors."
American To fail disastrously at a task, performance, examination, or presentation.
"I didn't study the material at all, so I am almost certainly going to bomb this chemistry exam."
British To move very quickly in a particular direction.
"We were bombing down the motorway trying to make it to the airport on time."
Word Nuance & Usage
In American informal usage, the verb 'to bomb' means to fail completely, whereas the noun phrase 'the bomb' is a compliment meaning something is exceptionally good.
• Rhymes for bomb
Word Origin & Etymology
From French 'bombe', derived from Italian 'bomba', which ultimately traces back to the Latin 'bombus' (a deep, hollow noise) and Greek 'bombos'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.