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

A crowd of 45,777 at Citizens Bank Park was ready to explode.

From Los Angeles Times

Soon after his name was announced, social media exploded into meritocracy debates as if the National Football League’s decisions are culturally motivated and not commercially.

From Los Angeles Times

Some fear that shark numbers are exploding, after several types - including the world's two deadliest shark species, great whites and tigers - were given varying degrees of protection in Australian waters.

From BBC

But when wasting disease in effect wiped out their main predator, the sea urchins exploded in number, decimating kelp forests and transforming once-lush underwater habitats into so-called urchin barrens.

From Los Angeles Times

His last effort, however, exploded into what became known as the Line fire.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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