explode

1 to break open or into pieces usually because of internal pressure <the building was wrecked when a powerful bomb exploded> Synonyms blow, blow up, burst, crump, detonate, go off, pop Related Words fragment, shatter, smash, splinter; discharge, fire, shoot; balloon, burgeon (also bourgeon), 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 several neighboring buildings> Synonyms blow, blow up, burst, demolish, blast, pop, shatter, smashRelated Words dynamite; annihilate, decimate, destroy; ruin, wreck; detonate, discharge; fragment, splinterNear Antonyms collapse, implode

3 to develop suddenly and violently <the mayor's latest unpopular decision caused long-suppressed resentment to explode into open anger> Synonyms blaze (up), break out, burst (forth), erupt, flame, flare (up)Related Words rocket, skyrocket; balloon, burgeon (also bourgeon), mount, multiply, mushroom, proliferate, snowball, swell, wax; blow up, detonate, touch off