blow-up

UK: /ˈbləʊ ʌp/ | US: /ˈbloʊ ʌp/

Definition

  1. n. 1. An explosion or sudden burst.

  2. n. 2. An enlarged photograph or illustration.

  3. n. 3. A sudden outburst of anger or conflict.

  4. v. 1. To explode or destroy with explosives.

  5. v. 2. To inflate or fill with air (e.g., a balloon).

  6. v. 3. To exaggerate or amplify in importance.

Structure
blow <to expel air forcefully>up <upward direction>
Etymology

The word "blow-up" combines "blow," derived from Old English blāwan (to expel air), and "up," from Old English upp (upward). Originally literal (e.g., inflating or exploding), it later gained figurative meanings like "exaggerate" (early 20th century) and "enlarged photo" (mid-20th century). The term reflects physical expansion or sudden release, mirroring its semantic evolution from action to result.

Examples

  1. The engineers had to blow-up the old bridge for safety reasons.

  2. She hung a blow-up of her favorite vacation photo on the wall.

  3. Their argument started as a small disagreement but quickly turned into a blow-up.

  4. He used a pump to blow-up the inflatable mattress.

  5. The media tends to blow-up minor scandals for attention.