blow up (B1)

phrasal verb

Pronunciation: /bloʊ ʌp/

Definition

To explode or cause something to explode, or to inflate something with air.

Examples

• The demolition team had to blow up the old bridge to make space for the new highway.

• We spent an hour trying to blow up all the balloons for the birthday party.

• Tensions continued to blow up between the two neighbors until they finally stopped speaking.

How to Use blow up

blow up [object] (phrasal verb)

To inflate or enlarge something. — "We need to blow up the air mattress before guests arrive."

blow [object] up (phrasal verb)

To cause an explosion. — "The rebels threatened to blow the bridge up."

Synonyms of blow up

Words with a similar meaning to blow up:

• inflate
• explode
• detonate
• enlarge

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