ˈvɑl.ə.tl̩ ˈvɒl.əˌtaɪ.(ə)l serving to explode or characterized by explosion or sudden outburst an explosive device explosive gas explosive force explosive violence an explosive temper sudden and loud an explosive laugh liable to lead to sudden change or violence an explosive issue a volatile situation with troops and rioters eager for a confrontation a chemical substance that undergoes a rapid chemical change (with the production of gas) on being heated or struck