dynamite

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   blow up with dynamite

   The rock was dynamited.

2. 2
   noun

   Anything exceptionally dangerous, exciting or wonderful.

   Even though sometimes I take differing views from some articles and letters in GCN, I think it's a dynamite piece of work. Good luck and thanks again.

3. 3
   verb

   To blow up with dynamite or other high explosive.

   Gradually the construction gangs cut and dynamited their way through some of the most difficult country in the world.

4. 4
   verb

   To dismantle or destroy.

   Even the successful battle in the last century to overturn the court’s infamous Plessy vs. Ferguson “separate but equal” doctrine wasn’t a frontal assault that dynamited precedent.

Coined by Alfred Nobel in 1867. Ultimately from Ancient Greek δύναμις (dúnamis, “power”) + -ite, most likely under the influence of dynamo or dynamic.

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