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View synonyms for

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. Compare implode ( def 2 ).
  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

/ ɪˈəʊ /

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
“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
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Derived Forms

  • ˈǻ, noun
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Other Word Forms

  • ·ǻİ noun
  • e·ǻ verb preexploded preexploding
  • ܲe·ǻĻ adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of explode1

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

Origin of explode1

C16: from Latin ō to drive off by clapping, hiss (an actor) off, from ex- 1+ plaudere to clap
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Local media reported that the car was parked next to the general's house in the eastern suburb of Balashikha and exploded as he walked past it.

From

When Golden took the stage, there was a roar of cheers and fireworks exploded over the city.

From

Once seen as taboo, plastic surgery has exploded in popularity over the last 20 years in China, fuelled by rising disposable incomes and shifts in social attitudes, in large part driven by social media.

From

The shell did not explode and no one was home at the time, Tass state news agency reported.

From

One of the petrol bombs exploded just outside the sheltered accommodation at the junction of Bishop Street and Nailors Row, near the city walls.

From

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explicitlyexploded view