explode

American  

[ik-splohd] / ɪkˈsploʊd /

verb (used without object)

exploded, exploding

1. to expand with force and noise because of rapid chemical change or decomposition, as gunpowder or nitroglycerine (opposed to implode).

2. to burst, fly into pieces, or break up violently with a loud report, as a boiler from excessive pressure of steam.

3. to burst forth violently or emotionally, especially with noise, laughter, violent speech, etc..

   He exploded with rage when contradicted.

4. Phonetics. (of plosives) to terminate the occlusive phase with a plosion.

5. Golf. to play an explosion shot on a golf ball.

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verb (used with object)

exploded, exploding

1. to cause (gunpowder, a boiler, etc.) to explode.

2. to cause to be rejected; destroy the repute of; discredit or disprove.

   to explode a theory.

3. Phonetics. to end with plosion.

4. Golf. to play an explosion shot on (a golf ball).

5. Obsolete. to drive (a player, play, etc.) from the stage by loud expressions of disapprobation.

explode British  

/ ɪkˈspləʊd /

verb

1. to burst or cause to burst with great violence as a result of internal pressure, esp through the detonation of an explosive; blow up

2. to destroy or be destroyed in this manner

   to explode a bridge

3. (of a gas) to undergo or cause (a gas) to undergo a sudden violent expansion, accompanied by heat, light, a shock wave, and a loud noise, as a result of a fast uncontrolled exothermic chemical or nuclear reaction

4. (intr) to react suddenly or violently with emotion, etc

   to explode with anger

5. (intr) (esp of a population) to increase rapidly

6. (tr) to show (a theory, etc) to be baseless; refute and make obsolete

7. (tr) phonetics to pronounce (a stop) with audible plosion

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Other Word Forms

• exploder
  noun
• preexplode
  verb
• unexploded
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of explode

First recorded in 1530–40; from Latin explōdere “to drive off by clapping, drive away,” from ex- ex- ¹ + -plōdere, variant stem of plaudere “to clap” ( cf. applaud)

Explanation

Anything and anyone can explode — that is, produce a violent, sudden and usually very loud release of energy. Explode's two most common meanings refer to a physically destructive act, most commonly a bomb going off, or metaphorically, as in your parents' sudden fury when they see your end-of-year grades. Originally explode meant something quite different — to drive an unpleasing actor or group of performers from the stage by clapping and booing. (From the Latin words ex, meaning "out," and plaudere, "to clap one's hands.") Those ancient Greek and Roman crowds were tough.

Example Sentences

That reminds me of Jane Alison's "Meander, Spiral, Explode," where she shows how the traditional pyramid structure plot is not the only way to tell a story.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2023

"Explode coração na maior felicidade ... 💥🎉🇧🇷🎭🎊💫" she wrote which roughly translates to "my heart explodes with great happiness."

From Fox News • Feb. 25, 2020

“Meander, Spiral, Explode: Design and Pattern in Narrative” is Alison’s new book about narrative structure, in which she envisions alternatives to the Aristotelian progression of beginning, middle, and end.

From The New Yorker • Apr. 3, 2019

That's the starting point for A Thousand Stars Explode in the Sky, a new play that, unusually, is the product of not one but three writers, all at the top of their game.

From The Guardian • May 10, 2010

I put on my best If-I-Don’t-Go-Now-I’m-Going-To- Explode face.

From "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie

Related Words

• blast
• break out
• burst
• collapse
• detonate
• erupt
• mushroom
• rupture
• set off
• shatter