Main Entry:

ex·plode

Pronunciation:

\ik-ˈsplōd\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

ex·plod·ed; ex·plod·ing

Etymology:

Latin explodere to drive off the stage by clapping, from ex- + plaudere to clap

Date:

1605

transitive verb1archaic : to drive from the stage by noisy disapproval2: to bring into disrepute or discredit <explode a theory>3: to cause to explode or burst noisily <explode a bomb>intransitive verb1: to burst forth with sudden violence or noise from internal energy: as a: to undergo a rapid chemical or nuclear reaction with the production of noise, heat, and violent expansion of gases <dynamite explodes> b: to burst violently as a result of pressure from within 2 a: to give forth a sudden strong and noisy outburst of emotion <exploded in anger> b: to move with sudden speed and force <exploded from the starting gate>3: to increase rapidly <the population of the city exploded>4: to suggest an explosion (as in appearance or effect) <shrubs exploded with blossoms>

— ex·plod·er noun