explode

ex·plode

verb \ik-ˈsplōd\

ex·plod·edex·plod·ing

Definition of EXPLODE

transitive verb

1

archaic : to drive from the stage by noisy disapproval

2

: to bring into disrepute or discredit <explode a theory>

3

: to cause to explode or burst noisily <explode a bomb>

intransitive verb

1

: 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

Examples of EXPLODE

1. One of the shells failed to explode.
2. These occasional skirmishes may soon explode into all-out war.
3. The birds suddenly exploded into flight.
4. The building exploded in flames.
5. She looked like she was ready to explode with anger.

Origin of EXPLODE

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

First Known Use: 1605

Related to EXPLODE

Synonyms: blow, blow up, burst, crump, detonate, go off, pop

Antonyms: implode

Related Words: fragment, shatter, smash, splinter; discharge, fire, shoot; balloon, burgeon (also bourgeon), mushroom

Near Antonyms: collapse, fizzle

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with EXPLODE

abode, anode, bar code, boatload, busload, byroad, carload, cartload, caseload, cathode, church mode, commode, corrode, crossroad, dead load, decode, diode, displode, download, dress code, dynode, embowed, encode, epode, erode, forebode, freeload, front-load, geode, high road, implode, inroad, live load, lymph node, no-load, off-load, outmode, payload, planeload, postcode, post road, railroad, rhapsode, sarod, shipload, side road, Silk Road, skid road, source code, spring-load, square-toed, tetrode, threnode, trainload, triode, truckload, unload, upload, zip code