go ballistic
The phrase "go ballistic" is primarily used informally to describe extreme emotional reactions, particularly anger, and has origins in military and aerospace contexts.
Definition
B2General
(informal, idiomatic)To become extremely angry or lose one's temper dramatically.
Example
- He went ballistic when he found out his car had been scratched.
- The manager went ballistic over the missed deadline.
B2General
(informal, idiomatic)To react with intense excitement or enthusiasm.
Example
- The fans went ballistic when their team scored the winning goal.
- She went ballistic upon hearing the good news.
C1Aerospace
(technical, military)For a missile or projectile to follow an unpowered, ballistic trajectory after its propulsion system stops.
Example
- The missile went ballistic after its engine burned out.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "go ballistic":
go bonkersgo mentalgo nutsgo madgo bananasgo wildball outblow a gasketflip one's lidgo overboardspaz outflip outgo apeflip one's wiggob offblow upgo nuclearfreak outhave a fitgo offlose one's shitwild outbawl outhit the roofrun riotlash outblast outballs to the walllose one's mindbomb outgo hamgo to piecestrip outgo off the reservationlet looseball offdrop the balloff the railslet flyburst outgo for brokechimp outspark outdrop the bombballs upall outgo great gunsblast offspin outbust outlose one's headblow apartshoot offgo roguehit one out of the ballparkball upgoon out