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 exploded
-
past perfectof explode.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
Lee Glen, owner of trading card stores Rocket's Hideout in York and Selby, said Pokémon cards had "exploded" in the last five years, which he largely attributed to the hobby being "multi-generational".
From BBC ● Sep. 15, 2026
An oxygen tank had exploded in their spacecraft, forcing them to abort their lunar landing plans.
From Barron's ● Apr. 4, 2026
It had already been quite a year: the doomed Challenger space shuttle had exploded months earlier, and the disaster at Chernobyl was on everyone’s minds.
From Slate ● Feb. 2, 2026
A team of researchers have found evidence in a Supernova Remnant that shows a White Dwarf had exploded before reaching the mass limit.
From Space Scoop ● Jul. 2, 2025
He smiled suddenly, as if a holy vision had exploded in his head.
From "Grendel" by John Gardner
