implode

verb

im·​plode im-ˈplōd 

imploded; imploding

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

Synonyms of implode

• collapse

Examples of implode in a Sentence

a controlled demolition during which the entire building imploded in a matter of seconds

Recent Examples on the Web

But his campaign began investing its modest war chest just before Democratic rival Eric Swalwell’s campaign imploded, and Becerra surged to win. — Sacbee.com, 1 Nov. 2026

Boldly directed by Austrian filmmaker Marie Kreutzer, the movie shows a family imploding after criminal accusations are made — ones that cut to the heart of parenting. — Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026

Also on Thursday, the 10-year Treasury yield slammed on the brakes and went into reverse, falling below 5% and tumbling in the largest single-day decline since March 10, 2023 — the day that Silicon Valley Bank imploded. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026

But before the building could be completed, HFZ imploded — Feldman had a spectacular falling out with his former partner, Nir Meir, who was later arrested and charged with an $86 million fraud scheme involving the XI. — Kim Velsey, Curbed, 21 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

in- entry 2 + -plode (as in explode)

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Rhymes for implode

• abode
• anode
• barcode
• bestowed
• boatload
• borrowed
• carload
• caseload
• cathode
• commode
• corrode
• crossroad

Kids Definition

implode

verb

im·​plode im-ˈplōd 

imploded; imploding

: to burst inward