Go ballistic Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Anger Intensity Used when someone is extremely angry, not just slightly upset. My dad went ballistic when I crashed the car. Pro Tip 2/3Sudden Reaction The phrase suggests a sudden and extreme reaction to something unexpected. I went ballistic when I got hit with the surprise fees. Pro Tip 3/3Informal Context It's informal, so use it in casual conversation, not in formal writing or speeches. He'll go ballistic if he finds out you lost his keys.