tinderbox - A volatile or tense environment, emotionally or politically charged, likely to erupt in violence or conflict.

shock - To cause someone to feel surprised and upset.

shatter - To break or cause to break suddenly and violently into pieces

caustic - Sarcastic or severely critical, often in a hurtful or biting manner; or able to burn or corrode organic tissue, typically referring to chemicals or substances.

precipice - A very sleep side of a cliff or a mountain.

dilemma - A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially equally undesirable ones

hysteria - A state of extreme excitement, fear or anger in which a person, or a group of people, loses control of their emotions and starts to cry, laugh, etc.

addictive - The habit-forming quality of a substance or activity that causes someone to become dependent on using it or doing it.

tremor - A slight shaking movement, such as one caused by an earthquake or instability; also a subtle or faint sign of emotion, such as fear or excitement in the voice or body.

volatile - An unstable situation that is likely to get worse quickly

nosedive - A sudden, steep drop, a sharp decline in condition, success, or stability.

conflagration - a large fire that causes a lot of damage; or a large and violent event.