implode

[im-plohd]

See more synonyms for implode on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object), im·plod·ed, im·plod·ing.

to burst inward (opposed to explode).

verb (used with object), im·plod·ed, im·plod·ing.

Phonetics. to pronounce by implosion.

Origin of implode

First recorded in 1880–85; im-¹ + (ex)plode

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for implode

fold

Examples from the Web for implode

Contemporary Examples of implode

The opening bluff in this game has already been called—the economy will not implode next week due to the sequester cuts.
Washington’s Sequester Is Not a Poker Game
John Avlon
March 2, 2013
The Tea Party would prefer “burn baby burn,” for the rotten edifice to implode so that a new one can be built in its place.
Cheers to Ben Bernanke & Central Bankers
Zachary Karabell
September 13, 2012
Contrary to what many are now predicting, Europe—reeling though it is—will not implode.
Why Europe Won’t Implode
Zachary Karabell
September 27, 2011
Facing insolvency, can the USPS reinvent itself like European services have—or will it implode?
This Week's Best Reads
The Daily Beast
May 27, 2011
Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iraq will begin to implode, confronting Mr. Obama with the deadly choice: cut losses or drown.
8 Nightmares in 2011: U.S. Economy, Olbermann, More
Leslie H. Gelb
January 23, 2011

Historical Examples of implode

Technically, they did not explode but implode, but the hood with the revolver did not notice the difference.
The Ambulance Made Two Trips
William Fitzgerald Jenkins

British Dictionary definitions for implode

implode

verb

to collapse or cause to collapse inwards in a violent manner as a result of external pressurethe vacuum flask imploded
(tr) to pronounce (a consonant) with or by implosion

Compare explode

Word Origin for implode

C19: from im- + (ex) plode

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for implode

1870 (implied in imploded), back-formation from implosion. Related: Imploding.