explode

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verb

Definition of 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, explode, pop, shatter, smash

Related Words dynamite; annihilate, decimate, destroy; ruin, wreck; detonate, discharge; fragment, splinter

Near 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), explode, flame, flare (up)

Related Words rocket, skyrocket; balloon, burgeon (also bourgeon), mount, multiply, mushroom, proliferate, snowball, swell, wax; blow up, detonate, touch off