1. severe overheating of a nuclear reactor core, causing damage or destruction
Usage: technical
2. a rapid or disastrous decline or collapse
3. an emotional outburst or loss of self-control
Usage: informal

Examples

• The nuclear plant was shut down to prevent potential meltdowns.
• The financial meltdowns of 2008 affected millions of people.
• The stock market experienced several meltdowns last year.
• She had complete meltdowns whenever things didn’t go her way.
• The toddler’s meltdowns usually happened when he was tired.
• Engineers worked to prevent reactor meltdowns during the crisis.
• The company’s meltdowns led to massive layoffs.