How Do You Spell GOING BALLISTIC?

Pronunciation: [ɡˌə͡ʊɪŋ bɐlˈɪstɪk] (IPA)

The phrase "going ballistic" is commonly used to describe someone who is becoming extremely angry or out of control. The word "ballistic" is spelled /bəˈlɪstɪk/ in IPA, with the stress on the second syllable. It comes from the field of ballistics or the science of projectiles, and refers to the trajectory or path of a missile in flight. The use of this term to describe someone's behavior likely comes from the idea of a sudden, explosive energy release, much like a projectile being launched.

GOING BALLISTIC Meaning and Definition

1. Going ballistic is an idiomatic expression that typically refers to someone becoming extremely angry, agitated, or losing control of their emotions in a sudden and explosive manner. This phrase derives from the imagery of a ballistic missile soaring through the sky and then suddenly detonating. It suggests a rapid and intense reaction, often characterized by anger or frustration, which can result in aggressive or inappropriate behavior.

   When someone "goes ballistic," they usually express their anger or frustration loudly, forcefully, and in an uncontrollable manner. This can involve shouting, screaming, or engaging in aggressive actions such as throwing objects or physically lashing out. The individual may also exhibit signs of irrationality, temporarily losing their sanity, and behaving in ways they would not usually do so under normal circumstances.

   This expression is commonly used in informal contexts or conversations to convey the severity or intensity of an individual's emotional response. It signifies a state of high tension that has escalated to the point where the person is no longer able to contain or control their emotions.

   Overall, "going ballistic" describes an explosive emotional outburst, typically associated with anger, but it can also encompass other strong negative emotions, such as extreme frustration or exasperation. The phrase captures the sudden and dramatic shift from a state of relative calm to an overwhelming, explosive display of emotion or behavior.

Common Misspellings for GOING BALLISTIC

• foing ballistic
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• hoing ballistic
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• goung ballistic
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Etymology of GOING BALLISTIC

The phrase "going ballistic" originated from the world of aeronautics, specifically in reference to ballistic missiles. The term "ballistic" is derived from the Greek word "ballein", meaning "to throw", and was first used to describe the trajectory of projectiles. A ballistic missile is a weapon that is initially launched into the atmosphere, then follows a parabolic or ballistic trajectory before descending towards its target.

In a figurative sense, "going ballistic" came into common use in the 1980s to describe strong, explosive, or uncontrollable anger or reaction, often beyond what is considered rational. The phrase draws its meaning from the image of a ballistic missile flying through the air with great speed and force, symbolizing an intense and unrelenting expression of emotion.