Entry Word: explode

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to break open or into pieces usually because of internal pressure <the building was wrecked when a powerful bomb exploded>

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

Related Words fragment, shatter, smash, splinter; discharge, fire, shoot; balloon, burgeon, mushroom

Near Antonyms collapse, fizzle

Antonyms implode

2 to cause to break open or into pieces by or as if by an explosive <the bomb was so powerful that it exploded windows in neighboring buildings> — see blast 1
3 to develop suddenly and violently <the mayorʼs latest unpopular decision caused long-suppressed resentment to explode into open anger> — see erupt 2