meltdown
/ˈmɛltdaʊn/
noun
- A severe accident in a nuclear reactor in which the fuel rods overheat and melt, releasing dangerous radiation.
- A nuclear meltdown can have catastrophic environmental consequences.
- The Chernobyl meltdown in 1986 caused widespread contamination.
- Engineers worked to prevent a meltdown by cooling the reactor core.
- A sudden and complete loss of emotional control, often involving crying, anger, or panic.
- She managed to stay calm during the crisis, but later had a meltdown at home.
- After losing his job, he had a complete meltdown and couldn't stop crying.
- The toddler had a meltdown in the grocery store because she wanted candy.
- A rapid and severe decline or collapse, especially in financial markets or an economy.
- The country's economy experienced a meltdown after the currency crashed.
- Investors panicked during the financial meltdown and sold their shares.
- The stock market meltdown in 2008 wiped out billions of dollars in value.
Antonyms