Meaning of the word "blow up" in English

What does "blow up" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

blow up

US /bloʊ ʌp/

UK /bloʊ ʌp/

to explode or cause to explode

Example:

•

The old building was scheduled to blow up next month.

•

The bomb could blow up at any moment.

Synonym:

explode detonate burst rupture shatter

to inflate something with air or gas

Example:

•

Can you help me blow up these balloons for the party?

•

He used a pump to blow up the air mattress.

Synonym:

inflate pump up fill with air

to suddenly become very angry

Example:

•

She tends to blow up over small things.

•

His boss blew up at him for being late.

Synonym:

erupt lose one's temper flare up rage fume

to enlarge a photograph or image

Example:

•

Can you blow up this picture so I can see the details?

•

The artist decided to blow up the sketch into a large mural.

Synonym:

enlarge magnify expand

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