explode
Americanverb (used without object)
-
to expand with force and noise because of rapid chemical change or decomposition, as gunpowder or nitroglycerine (implode ).
-
to burst, fly into pieces, or break up violently with a loud report, as a boiler from excessive pressure of steam.
-
to burst forth violently or emotionally, especially with noise, laughter, violent speech, etc..
He exploded with rage when contradicted.
-
Phonetics. (of plosives) to terminate the occlusive phase with a plosion.
-
Golf. to play an explosion shot on a golf ball.
verb (used with object)
-
to cause (gunpowder, a boiler, etc.) to explode.
-
to cause to be rejected; destroy the repute of; discredit or disprove.
to explode a theory.
-
Phonetics. to end with plosion.
-
Golf. to play an explosion shot on (a golf ball).
-
Obsolete. to drive (a player, play, etc.) from the stage by loud expressions of disapprobation.
verb
-
to burst or cause to burst with great violence as a result of internal pressure, esp through the detonation of an explosive; blow up
-
to destroy or be destroyed in this manner
to explode a bridge
-
(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
-
(intr) to react suddenly or violently with emotion, etc
to explode with anger
-
(intr) (esp of a population) to increase rapidly
-
(tr) to show (a theory, etc) to be baseless; refute and make obsolete
-
(tr) phonetics to pronounce (a stop) with audible plosion
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” ( applaud )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
An ongoing feud within the Beckham family finally exploded into the open in late January, fuelling debates about adult children going "NC" - no contact - with their parents.
From BBC
Commander Fox explains that mines generally fall into two categories: contact mines, which detonate when struck, and influence mines, which explode when sensors detect changes in sound, pressure or magnetism.
From BBC
The sector exploded after the pandemic, when lockdowns kept people indoors and crowded markets felt unsafe.
From BBC
Either through deeper engagement on social feeds or just stuffing more ads into them, ad views exploded.
From Barron's
“It exploded through the stratosphere. We didn’t expect that. We were focused on looking for something that told the narrative. It felt like it had been bigger than ever before,” Felder said.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
