ground zero (B2)
noun phrase
Pronunciation: /ˈɡraʊnd ˈzɪəroʊ/
Definition
The point on the Earth's surface closest to a nuclear explosion or a major disaster, or the area surrounding it.
Examples
The rescue teams worked tirelessly at ground zero to search for survivors.
The city's ground zero was evacuated immediately after the earthquake.
The nuclear test site was ground zero for the experimental blast.
How to Use ground zero
- at ground zero (prepositional phrase)
- at the central point of a disaster or event — "The rescue teams worked at ground zero to search for survivors."
- from ground zero (prepositional phrase)
- from the starting point or origin of something — "The new policy will be implemented from ground zero, with no existing infrastructure to build upon."
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