blow

blow · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    (Of wind) move with force.

  2. 2.

    Expel air through the mouth.

  3. 3.

    (Of a fuse or tire) burst or break suddenly.

  4. 4.

    (Informal) Waste or squander.

  5. 5.

    (Informal) Ruin or bungle.

  6. 6.

    A powerful stroke with a hand, weapon, or hard object.

  7. 7.

    A sudden shock or disappointment.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    blow one's mind — Amaze or astonish.
  • •
    blow over — Pass without serious consequences.
  • •
    blow up — Explode; lose one's temper.
  • •
    blow off steam — Release tension.
  • •
    blow hot and cold — Be inconsistent.
  • •
    come to blows — Start fighting.
  • •
    soften the blow — Make bad news easier to accept.
  • •
    body blow — A serious setback.
  • •
    low blow — An unfair attack.

Related words

See also: blowing, blown, blows, wind
Synonyms: gust, puff, strike

Etymology

From Old English blāwan ("to blow, breathe"), from Proto-Germanic blēaną.