explode
verb (used without object)
to expand with force and noise because of rapid chemical change or decomposition, as gunpowder or nitroglycerine (opposed to implode).
had been exploding
-
past perfect progressiveof explode.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
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.
Isolated acts of annoyance would have been powerless to ruffle his calm; but Freddie had been exploding bombs under his nose since he went to Eton.
From Something New by P. G. (Pelham Grenville) Wodehouse
Cannon that but a few hours before had been exploding in angry strife on each other, now joined their peaceful echoes over his grave.
From The Second War with England, Vol. 1 of 2 by Joel Tyler Headley
It was a happy group and they had been exploding with laughter over Roy's account of Jeb's ride.
From The Girl Aviators' Motor Butterfly by Margaret Burnham
The little dust bombs that had been exploding under the horse's feet no longer floated upwards.
From Swamp Cat by James Arthur Kjelgaard
Bai-Jove-Judson had been exploding at intervals for the last five minutes.
From Soldiers Three - Part 2 by Rudyard Kipling
