Main Entry: im·plode

Pronunciation: \im-ˈplōd\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): im·plod·ed; im·plod·ing

Etymology: ²in- + -plode (as in explode)

Date: 1881

intransitive verb 1 a : to burst inward <a blow causing a vacuum tube to implode> b : to undergo violent compression <massive stars which implode>
2 : to collapse inward as if from external pressure; also : to become greatly reduced as if from collapsing
3 : to break down or fall apart from within : self-destruct <the firm…imploded from greed and factionalism — Jan Hoffman>transitive verb : to cause to implode