Meaning & use
meltdown
Last updated
A sudden, severe collapse or loss of control, whether emotional, financial, or in a nuclear reactor.
See it in a sentence
The toddler had a meltdown in the grocery store when told he couldn't have candy.
Analysts are still studying the causes of the 2008 financial meltdown.
A note on using this word
Originally a nuclear engineering term for an overheated reactor core melting, now common for emotional outbursts and crises of any kind.
Words with a similar meaning
breakdowncollapse
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. noun
The melting of a nuclear reactor's core, causing the release of radiation.
Engineers rushed to prevent a full meltdown at the damaged plant.
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