explode

[ik-splohd]

verb (used without object)

exploded, exploding 

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

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

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• exploder noun
• preexplode verb
• unexploded adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of explode¹

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” ( applaud )

Word History and Origins

Origin of explode¹

C16: from Latin explōdere to drive off by clapping, hiss (an actor) off, from _ex- ¹ + plaudere to clap

Example Sentences

What started as a small, peaceful protest on Alameda Street exploded into a series of tense clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Also, “we live in a world where productivity enhancements are exploding, and it’s inherently disinflationary,” he added.

Read more on MarketWatch

Both then suddenly explode and are seen aflame.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

His cornea was damaged a week ago when an improvised firecracker device that he bought to celebrate the Diwali festival exploded near his face, causing him to lose vision in one eye.

Read more on BBC

"The appearance of US aid in the campaign helped prevent the dollar issue from exploding," Germano noted.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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