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

When the call finally connects she explodes in tears.

From BBC

It featured a video showing the boat travelling on a body of water, and seconds later it explodes and bursts into flames.

From BBC

When Steve explodes on them, one senses his volatile students have been teaching him something too.

From Los Angeles Times

"Rugby really has the opportunity to explode in Canada, but we've not been on this big global stage where we've had a grand performance to inspire the nation and the next generation," she added.

From BBC

When she pushed back on his argument by bringing up the June assassination of the Democratic speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, Melissa Hortman, and her husband, Mark, Gutfeld exploded.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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