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

Derived Forms

• unexploded
  adjective
• exploder
  noun
• preexplode
  verb

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

Prediction markets have seen volume explode over the past year, as investors have turned to them to place bets on everything from the Iran war to elections.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026

Prediction markets have seen volume explode over the past year, as investors have turned to them to place bets on everything from the Iran war to elections.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026

The explosion comes as officials in California say a chemical tank that threatened to explode has now been rendered safe.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

The vast majority of the 50,000 people evacuated because of a damaged chemical tank officials feared would explode began returning home, and officials said conditions in the area is safe.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

And each time August approaches, red-faced and waving his bull hook, they explode with glee.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen

Related Words

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