Ground Zero

Origin of: Ground Zero

Ground Zero

Dates from 1946 when it was first used to describe the epicentre or point of impact of an atomic (nuclear) explosion. More recently, it has been used to describe the site of the twin towers of the World Trade Centre that were destroyed in 9/11 2001. It is also now used figuratively to mean back to square one or to signify the basic point of entry or the start of any new enterprise or initiative.