Definition of the word time bomb

The term "time bomb" was coined in the early 20th century to describe a concept used in engineering and physics. It refers to an object or device that is set to explode or malfunction at a specific time in the future. The metaphorical use of "time bomb" to describe a situation or person that is likely to cause problems or negative consequences in the future became popular during the Cold War era. In this context, a "time bomb" could refer to an individual who will potentially harm others or society due to personal or societal issues, such as a ticking time bomb of frustration or an individual with a high-risk condition that could lead to a catastrophic event. While the literal meaning of a time bomb is an explosive device, the broader use of the term allows us to acknowledge that various elements, whether personal or societal, have the potential to act as "bombs" that can explode unexpectedly and lead to chaos and destruction.