implosion

[im-ploh-zhuhn]

noun

1. the act of imploding; a bursting inward (explosion ).

2. Phonetics.

   1. the occlusive phase of stop consonants.

   2. (of a stop consonant) the nasal release heard in the common pronunciation of eaten, sudden, or mitten, in which the vowel of the final syllable is greatly reduced.

   3. the ingressive release of a suction stop.

implosion

/ ɪmˈpləʊʒən /

noun

1. the act or process of imploding

   the implosion of a light bulb

2. phonetics the suction or inhalation of breath employed in the pronunciation of an ingressive consonant

Word History and Origins

Origin of implosion¹

First recorded in 1875–80; im- ¹ + (ex)plosion

Example Sentences

It was thought he had what it takes to fix a discreet deal between the parties and save French politics from implosion.

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As for the long-term consequences of such a dramatic reversal — or implosion or willful destruction — in America’s relationship to the rest of the world, they are scarcely imaginable.

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The Dodgers ended the weekend on a sour note, with Blake Treinen suffering the latest bullpen implosion in a 3-1 loss on Sunday.

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Zappa brought the duo into his Mothers of Invention ensemble not long after the implosion of the Turtles.

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The latest extracts from Nicola Sturgeon's memoirs serve as a reminder of the spectacular implosion of their relationship.

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Related Words

• bankruptcy 
• breakdown 
• collapse 
• decline 
• defeat 
• deficiency 
• deterioration 
• failing 
• loss 
• misstep