Are you writing a scene where two armies are at battle with each other? In this post, you’ll get some tips on how to describe an explosion in a story through 10 descriptive words.
1. Blast
Definition
- An explosion.
- A sudden strong rush of air.
- A sudden loud noise.
Examples
“His ears ringing from the blast, he scrambled through the rubble to try to find the rest of his comrades.”
“The loud blast of the firework at the end of the sequence seemed to take the crowd by surprise.”
How it Adds Description
“Blast” can not only be used as a synonym for an explosion but also helps you to illustrate to your reader just how loud or forceful it was. Usually a “blast” is unexpected, so it is likely to be a shock to both your characters and your reader when it occurs.
2. Boom
Definition
A deep and loud sound.
Examples
“There was a loud and echoing boom from the bottom of the quarry before the rock walls began to crumble down into the pit below.”
“The men covered their ears as the TNT went off with an almighty boom, clearing the mineshaft ahead.”
How it Adds Description
Who doesn’t love a good onomatopoeia? Sometimes describing an explosion by its sound can be just as impactful as describing it visually to your reader. The “boom” from your explosion can be as loud, quiet, or forceful as you want it to be to illustrate its effects.
3. Catastrophe
Definition
A sudden event that causes destruction.
Examples
“The explosion was a catastrophic event that left a trail of destruction in its wake.”
“The aftermath of the explosion was a scene of utter catastrophe, with rubble and debris scattered everywhere and the sound of sirens wailing in the distance.”
How it Adds Description
“Catastrophe” helps you to be able to describe the devastating effect of an explosion to your reader. Often, they can be life-changing events either on a personal, local, or global scale, and usually guarantee that nothing will be the same afterward.
4. Conflagration
Definition
A large, destructive fire.
Examples
“The explosion sparked a conflagration that quickly engulfed the entire building.“
“The conflagration caused by the explosion was so intense that it could be seen from miles away.”
How it Adds Description
“Conflagration” helps you to be able to describe the destructive aftermath of an explosion to your reader. Sometimes the most damage is caused after the explosion has happened, so it could be that your characters are initially safe, but then need to escape further danger.
5. Detonation
Definition
The act of exploding something.
Examples
“The bomb disposal team performed a controlled detonation on the unexploded grenade they had found in the backyard.”
“The team in the control room readied themselves for the nuclear detonation.”
How it Adds Description
“Detonation” is a great word to use when you are looking at describing an explosion for a more scientific or official setting. It makes the explosion almost seem clinical, which can sometimes make it contrast with the devastating effects that it has.
6. Eruption
Definition
- Sudden and violent.
- The explosion made by a volcano.
Examples
“The volcanic eruption spewed hot lava and ash into the sky, creating a spectacular yet dangerous natural phenomenon.”
“The sudden eruption of the geyser took everyone by surprise, shooting boiling water high into the air.”
How it Adds Description
If the explosion in your story comes from a natural source such as a volcano rather than a manmade device, consider describing it as an “eruption”. This can help you to be able to illustrate the raw power of nature to your reader and how formidable it can be.
7. Flare
Definition
- Burning brightly for a short time.
- Becoming wider.
Examples
“The firework lit up the sky in a flare of light and color.”
“There was a sudden flare as the crashed car suddenly burst into a raging fireball.”
How it Adds Description
Describing an explosion as a “flare” helps you to be able to demonstrate how bright it is, and also how it expands outwards. Often, a “flare” is a quick event, so could describe a sudden explosion in your story that is over just as soon as it has started.
8. Flash
Definition
- Shining brightly and suddenly.
- Moving quickly.
Examples
“The bright flash hit their eyes long before the force of the explosion knocked them off of their feet.”
“When the bomb went off, it produced a bright flash and a massive cloud of dust and debris that threatened to fill their lungs.”
How it Adds Description
“Flash” illustrates to your reader the brightness of an explosion, which is particularly important when you realize that the visual light of an explosion happens much quicker than it creating any sound. You can even use this word to help to slow the explosion down, showing how your characters react to the explosion before it truly hits.
9. Mushroom
Definition
Examples
“The nuclear explosion created a mushroom cloud that billowed out over the horizon.”
“The explosion mushroomed out, spreading destruction across the city.”
How it Adds Description
Not only describing the physical shape of an explosion, “mushroom” helps you to be able to describe how quickly its effects can spread outwards after a blast. This could either be fire, force, or even fear that spreads across the area.
10. Outbreak
Definition
The sudden appearance of something.
Examples
“The sudden outbreak of the explosion sent shockwaves throughout the neighborhood.”
“The authorities were quick to respond to the outbreak of the explosion, rushing to the scene to assess the damage and ensure the safety of the public.”
How it Adds Description
An explosion can be described as an “outbreak” because it is a sudden and violent event that can quickly spread and cause widespread damage, much like a disease or a fire. Additionally, the word “outbreak” implies something rapid and unexpected, which is often the case with explosions.