explode

[ik-splohd]

verb (used without object)

exploded, exploding 

1. to expand with force and noise because of rapid chemical change or decomposition, as gunpowder or nitroglycerine (implode ).

2. to burst, fly into pieces, or break up violently with a loud report, as a boiler from excessive pressure of steam.

3. to burst forth violently or emotionally, especially with noise, laughter, violent speech, etc..

   He exploded with rage when contradicted.

4. Phonetics.,  (of plosives) to terminate the occlusive phase with a plosion.

5. Golf.,  to play an explosion shot on a golf ball.

verb (used with object)

exploded, exploding 

1. to cause (gunpowder, a boiler, etc.) to explode.

2. to cause to be rejected; destroy the repute of; discredit or disprove.

   to explode a theory.

3. Phonetics.,  to end with plosion.

4. Golf.,  to play an explosion shot on (a golf ball).

5. Obsolete.,  to drive (a player, play, etc.) from the stage by loud expressions of disapprobation.

explode

/ ɪkˈspləʊd /

verb

1. to burst or cause to burst with great violence as a result of internal pressure, esp through the detonation of an explosive; blow up

2. to destroy or be destroyed in this manner

   to explode a bridge

3. (of a gas) to undergo or cause (a gas) to undergo a sudden violent expansion, accompanied by heat, light, a shock wave, and a loud noise, as a result of a fast uncontrolled exothermic chemical or nuclear reaction

4. (intr) to react suddenly or violently with emotion, etc

   to explode with anger

5. (intr) (esp of a population) to increase rapidly

6. (tr) to show (a theory, etc) to be baseless; refute and make obsolete

7. (tr) phonetics to pronounce (a stop) with audible plosion

Other Word Forms

• exploder noun
• preexplode verb
• unexploded adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of explode¹

First recorded in 1530–40; from Latin explōdere “to drive off by clapping, drive away,” from ex- ex- ¹ + -plōdere, variant stem of plaudere “to clap” ( applaud )

Word History and Origins

Origin of explode¹

C16: from Latin explōdere to drive off by clapping, hiss (an actor) off, from _ex- ¹ + plaudere to clap

Example Sentences

One night, they explode at the plate for seven runs … only for their pitching staff to give up nine.

From Los Angeles Times

Their batteries are removed so they do not explode when they are crushed, and are then recycled, but the bikes are not.

From BBC

Fire crews battling a vast moorland blaze in North Yorkshire this month have been hampered by exploding bombs and tank shells dating back to training on the moors during the Second World War.

From BBC

Fire crews battling a vast moorland blaze in North Yorkshire have said they have been hampered by exploding World War Two bombs and tank shells.

From BBC

Parts of the engine appeared to explode at one stage, and flaps on the side of the rocket caught fire and swung from side-to-side.

From BBC

Related Words

• blast 
• break out 
• burst 
• collapse 
• detonate 
• erupt 
• mushroom 
• rupture 
• set off 
• shatter