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to blow up
[phrase form: blow]
01
to cause something to explode
Transitive: to blow up sth
Examples
The sudden impact blew the car up.
The film director will blow a car up for an action scene.
1.1
to explode forcefully and releasing energy through a chemical or physical reaction
Intransitive
Examples
The experiment went wrong, causing the chemicals to blow up.
The scientist studied the conditions under which substances blow up.
02
to fill with air or gas until something becomes inflated
Transitive: to blow up an inflatable object
Examples
Can you blow the beach ball up so we can play at the shore?
Before the children arrive, let's blow the inflatable pool up.
03
to make something larger
Transitive: to blow up a photograph or text
Examples
He decided to blow up the photograph for the art exhibit.
She blew up the picture to hang it as a poster on the wall.
04
to increase in size
Intransitive
Examples
As the tire heated up, it began to blow up gradually.
In the heat, the bread dough started to blow up in the oven.
05
to make something seem larger or more significant than it actually is
Transitive: to blow up sth
Intransitive
Examples
Do n't blow the issue up; it's a minor misunderstanding.
The media can sometimes blow up a story for sensationalism.
06
to add additional information or details on a topic
Transitive: to blow up a topic or content
Examples
Can you blow up the email with more information on the event?
The speaker hopes to blow up the talk with thought-provoking insights.
07
to become extremely angry and lose control
Intransitive
Examples
The situation made her blow up unexpectedly.
The employee blew up after weeks of unresolved issues.
08
to gain sudden and massive popularity, especially online or on social media
SlangExamples
Her TikTok dance blew up overnight; now she has a million followers.
That meme blew up so fast, I saw it on every platform within hours.
