blowout

views updated May 23 2018

blow·out / ˈblōˌout/ • n. 1. a sudden rupture or malfunction of a part or apparatus due to pressure, in particular: ∎  a bursting of an automobile tire. ∎ fig. an outburst of anger; an argument: that exchange led to a big blowout five years ago. ∎  an uprush of oil or gas from a well. ∎  inf. a melting of an electric fuse.2. inf. an easy victory in a sporting contest or an election: they had lost seven games—four by blowouts.3. inf. a large or lavish meal or social gathering.4. a hollow eroded by the wind.• adj. huge; all-consuming: year-end blowout sale.

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