noun

1. a gust of wind; strong rush of air
2. the sound of a sudden rush of air or gas, as through a trumpet
3. a strong, artificially created jet of air, steam, exhaust gases, etc.
4. the steady current of air forced into a blast furnace
5. an abrupt and damaging influence, esp. a plant blight
6. 1. an explosion, as of dynamite
   2. a charge of explosive causing this
   3. a wave of air of increased pressure followed by one of lower pressure radiating from an explosion
7. ☆ a strong, sudden outburst, as of criticism
8. ☆ Sports, Slang a strong, driving hit, as of a baseball
9. ☆ Slang a pleasurable, exciting event or experience, as a wild party

Etymology: ME < OE blæst, puff of wind < IE *bhlē-, var. of base *bhel-, to swell, blow up > ball, L flare

intransitive verb

1. to make a loud, harsh sound
2. to set off explosives, gunfire, etc.
3. to suffer or wither from a blight

transitive verb

1. to damage or destroy by or as if by a blight; wither; ruin
2. to blow up or move with or as with an explosive; explode
3. ☆ to attack or criticize sharply
4. ☆ Sports, Slang to drive (a ball) far with a sharp blow of the bat or club