ground zero
"Ground zero" originally described the site directly below a nuclear explosion but has evolved to signify the center of any significant event or activity.
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Definition
C1Military
(technical, historical)The point on the Earth's surface directly below, above, or at which a nuclear explosion occurs.
Example
- The blast radius was calculated from ground zero.
B2Disasters
(general)The central point in an area severely affected by a disaster or violent event.
Example
- Emergency services rushed to ground zero after the earthquake.
B2General
(figurative)The starting point or origin of rapid, intense, or significant activity or change.
Example
- The small town became ground zero for the tech revolution.
B2Historical
(specific)The site of the World Trade Center in New York City, destroyed during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Example
- Ground zero has become a memorial site for the victims of 9/11.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "ground zero":
ground levelzero inground gameelement zeroground stophot zoneground flooron the groundground truth