goes ballistic
Flies into rage
Goes ballistic means to become extremely angry or to react with sudden, explosive fury.
The image comes from ballistic missiles, which follow an uncontrolled trajectory after launch—similarly, someone who goes ballistic has lost control of their temper.
Mom went ballistic when she saw the credit card bill.
The coach went ballistic after the referee's call.
- explodesBursts apart violently
- eruptsViolently discharges material
- ragesViolent emotional eruptions
- freaks outReacts with extreme alarm
- loses itSuddenly becomes enraged
loses their mind · blows up · snaps · off the deep end · flips out · flies off the handle · nuclear · rocket · missile · fury · sees red · tantrum · unhinged · apoplectic · livid · screaming · volcanic · detonates
- losing itloses it, snaps, freaks out, flips out, cracks up
goes, ball, balls, balled, balling, ballistic, ballistics, ballistically