implode

American

[im-plohd] / ɪmˈploʊd /

verb (used without object)

imploded, imploding

to burst inward (explode ).

verb (used with object)

imploded, imploding

Phonetics. to pronounce by implosion.

implode British

/ ɪmˈpləʊd /

verb

to collapse or cause to collapse inwards in a violent manner as a result of external pressure

the vacuum flask imploded
(tr) to pronounce (a consonant) with or by implosion

"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

Etymology

Origin of implode

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

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.

The Jets, meanwhile, keep finding ways to implode, and effort matters in games like this.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 18, 2025

A fear in markets has been that if these companies start selling crypto, one of the year’s most popular trades could implode.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 9, 2025

Wanting to progress is one thing, it is entirely different when you implode and make the wrong calls - even with the best intentions.

From BBC • Oct. 21, 2025

Martin's Aprilia teammate Marco Bezzecchi still has a slim chance of earning the runner-up spot, but he needs Marquez to implode.

From Barron's • Oct. 16, 2025

After barely nibbling it, she thought her respiratory system was going to implode.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023