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 (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

• 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 )

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

Speaking on Italy's Radio 24, the secretary of Italy's Council of Ministers, Alfredo Mantovano, said the risks from the tanker were "enormous" and warned that it could "explode at any moment".

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

If the United States wins the WBC championship Tuesday, when no outcome besides victory would have been satisfactory, the team will explode in celebration.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

Heavy elements such as gold and platinum are forged under extraordinary conditions, including when stars collapse, explode, or collide.

From Science Daily • Mar. 13, 2026

The Iranians also had influence mines adapted to the Gulf's shallow waters, which are sown on the seabed and explode when a large ship is detected overhead, he said.

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

“You know when hurricane winds grow quickly, when they explode, meteorologists call that rapid intensification, and I guess it’s super hard to predict. But...I think I felt that way when I broke the frame.”

From "Shouting at the Rain" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Related Words

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