implosive

American  

[im-ploh-siv] / ɪmˈploʊ sɪv /

adjective

1. characterized by a partial vacuum behind the point of closure.

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noun

1. an implosive stop.

implosive British  

/ ɪmˈpləʊsɪv /

adjective

1. pronounced by or with implosion

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noun

1. an implosive consonant

Other Word Forms

• implosively adverb

Etymology

Origin of implosive

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

Example Sentences

After a very explosive character like Rooster, I will be more interested in an implosive character like Cromwell in “Wolf Hall” or Abel in “Bridge of Spies.”

From New York Times • Jun. 3, 2022

Moss created his share of conflicts and controversies in Minnesota, and his second stint in 2010 ended after four games in spectacularly implosive fashion.

From Washington Times • Oct. 2, 2016

Locked in that intensive process, it’s easy to forget anything else exists, which is perfect if your album is meant to be an implosive, unbound thing.

From The Verge • Sep. 18, 2015

This is music with an implosive sizzle, meant for close listening: originals and covers of Ellington, Oscar Pettiford, Andrew Hill, Paul Motian, and a quietly rapturous “Lover Man.”

From Slate • Dec. 13, 2012

For the first time this season, rookie Luis Atilano endured an implosive start, allowing six earned runs on nine hits and three walks.

From Washington Post • May 21, 2010