An explosive is a type of substance that suddenly releases energy and can make things go boom.
We use the word "explosives" to describe things like dynamite, fireworks, or even some kinds of chemical reactions. You might hear about explosives being used in construction to blast through rock or in military contexts where they're used for specific purposes. The government also regulates the sale of certain types of explosives, so that only people with special permits can buy them. In general, the word "explosives" evokes a sense of sudden, intense power, and we use it carefully because these substances can be very dangerous if not handled correctly.
Any explosive substance.
