Explosion \Ex*plo"sion\, n. [L. explosio a driving off by clapping: cf. F. explosion explosion. See Explode.]

1. The act of exploding; detonation; a chemical action which causes the sudden formation of a great volume of expanded gas; as, the explosion of gunpowder, of fire damp,etc.

2. A bursting with violence and loud noise, because of internal pressure; as, the explosion of a gun, a bomb, a steam boiler, etc.

3. A violent outburst of feeling, manifested by excited language, action, etc.; as, an explosion of wrath.

A formidable explosion of high-church fanaticism. --Macaulay.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)