Definition

1. Verb (intransitive):

   • To be forcibly detached or separated from something due to an explosion, a sudden strong force, or high pressure.
   • To be released or vented suddenly, often referring to steam or pressure.

2. Verb (transitive):

   • To cause something to be detached by an explosion or strong force. Often used in passive constructions.

Usage Examples

• Intransitive Verb:

  • In the accident, the car's door blew off from the impact.
  • When the pressure built up too high, the safety valve blew off.

• Transitive Verb (often passive):

  • The roof was blown off the house by the tornado.
  • The explosion blew the lid clean off the container.

Advanced Usage

• Technical/Mechanical Context: Used to describe the failure or intentional release of a component under extreme pressure.

  • If the boiler overheats, a disc is designed to blow off and release the pressure safely.

• Figurative Use (Less Common): Can describe something being removed or eliminated with sudden, forceful finality.

  • The scandal blew the lid off the conspiracy. (Note: This is the phrasal verb "blow the lid off," listed separately below.)

Variants and Related Words

• Blow-off (noun): A device (like a valve or pipe) that allows for the release of pressure or waste; or, a sudden release of steam or gas.
  • The engineer checked the blow-off for any blockages.

Synonyms

• Detach forcibly
• Be torn off
• Be ripped off
• Vent (for pressure/steam)

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Blow off steam: To release pent-up energy or emotion, often through vigorous activity or loud expression. (This is a separate, idiomatic phrasal verb).

  • After the stressful meeting, he went to the gym to blow off steam.

• Blow the lid off (something): To expose a secret or scandal.

  • The journalist's report blew the lid off the corruption scheme.

Related Idioms

• Blow something sky-high: To destroy something completely with an explosion.
  • The bombs blew the bridge sky-high. (This shares the concept of explosive force but is a distinct idiom).

Verb

1. come off due to an explosion or other strong force