Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for fallout

fallout

or fall-out

[ fawl-out ]

noun

  1. the settling to the ground of airborne particles ejected into the atmosphere from the earth by explosions, eruptions, forest fires, etc., especially such settling from nuclear explosions radioactive fallout. Compare rainout.
  2. the particles themselves. Compare rainout.
  3. an unexpected or incidental effect, outcome, or product:

    the psychological fallout of being obese.

  4. effects; results:

    emotional fallout from a divorce.



fallout

/ ˈfɔːlˌaʊt /

noun

  1. the descent of solid material in the atmosphere onto the earth, esp of radioactive material following a nuclear explosion
  2. any solid particles that so descend
  3. informal.
    side-effects; secondary consequences


verb

  1. informal.
    to quarrel or disagree
  2. intr to happen or occur
  3. military to leave a parade or disciplinary formation

sentence substitute

  1. military the order to leave a parade or disciplinary formation

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of fallout1

First recorded in 1945–50; noun use of verb phrase fall out

Discover More

Example Sentences

Perhaps the worst fallout from all this is that when we are gripped by fear, we usually make terrible decisions.

But in solidly Democratic Oregon, the political fallout from this revelation is likely to be limited.

But the fallout from the Panetta book will be significant over time.

Mark Fuller, on the other hand, is unlikely to see any long-term professional fallout.

The fallout of this loss of trust has had an enormous impact on the outbreak.

After Test Mike, the implications of fallout obviously were global.

The expedition made significant observations of the role of plankton in the biological utilization of ocean fallout.

The treaty was, among other things, a declaration against worldwide fallout.

Amid such changes there was arising, too, a wider apprehension concerning the possible effects of fallout.

The word “fallout” was coined to describe the deposition on the earth of radioactive debris from nuclear explosions.

Advertisement

Word of the Day

petrichor

[pet-ri-kawr]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


Fallot's tetralogyfall over