1. substances or devices that can be made to explode, causing sudden violent release of energy
Usage: typically used in plural form; can refer to chemical compounds or assembled devices
2. materials used in mining, construction, or demolition to break rock or structures
Usage: industrial or commercial context

Examples

• The construction crew used explosives to demolish the old building.
• Airport security screened passengers for explosives.
• Miners rely on explosives to extract ore from the ground.
• The bomb squad safely disposed of the explosives.
• Fireworks contain small amounts of explosives.
• Law enforcement detected traces of explosives at the scene.