bomb
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /bɑm/
KK: /bɑm/
intransitive verb
Definition
To fail completely or to be unsuccessful, often used in informal contexts.
Example
The movie bombed at the box office, receiving terrible reviews.
Tense Forms
Past: bombed
Past Participle: bombed
Conversation
How did your comedy show go last night?
Honestly, it totally bombed — no one was laughing.
That's rough! Did you try out any new material?
Yeah, but it just didn't land well; I think I need to rethink my set.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
fail
flop
collapse
Antonyms
succeed
thrive
prosper
noun
Definition
An explosive device that can cause destruction or damage when detonated.
Example
The military used a bomb to destroy the enemy's bunker.
Conversation
Did you hear about that movie with the big bomb scene?
Yeah, I saw the trailer! It looks super intense.
I can't believe how realistic the bomb effects are these days.
transitive verb
Definition
To attack or destroy something using explosive devices.
Example
The military plans to bomb the enemy's base during the night.
Tense Forms
Past: bombed
Past Participle: bombed
Conversation
Did you hear about the movie where they bomb the city in the first act?
Yeah, I heard it was really intense and shocking.
I can't believe they would actually show something so dramatic like that.
Root Explanation
Bomb → The word 'bomb' originates from the Latin 'bombus', meaning a booming or humming sound, which is derived from the Greek 'bombos', meaning a deep, resonant sound. The term evolved to refer to explosive devices that create a loud noise upon detonation.
Memory Tip
Think of the deep, booming sound ('bombus') that a bomb makes when it explodes — that's why we call it a bomb.
Visually Confused Words
bom
bob
robomb