implode

verb

im·plode | \ im-ˈplōd

imploded; imploding

Definition of implode

intransitive verb

1a : 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 More Example Sentences Learn More about implode

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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

Bull markets begin when economies are imploding—just less disastrously than folks first feared—like in 2009 and 2010. — Ken Fisher, USA TODAY, "Test your market IQ with this quiz," 18 Mar. 2018 This year’s Warriors don’t have the gaudy record of two years ago, or the buzz of last season, but the sense of inevitability is palpable, especially now that the Cavs have seemingly imploded. — Chris Ballard, SI.com, "LeBron to the Warriors? Even Golden State Is Laughing," 2 Feb. 2018 For the past eight years, Intiman Theatre has been living with an anvil hanging over its head: millions of dollars in debt, which was discovered during a harrowing spring in 2011 and nearly imploded the theater. — Brendan Kiley, The Seattle Times, "Intiman and ACT theaters finally debt-free after years of belt-tightening and generosity from others," 22 Jan. 2019 Nonetheless, these critics could be right if, for example, the markets were signaling a breakdown in the functioning of the financial system as in 2008, when the mortgage market imploded and major banks nearly failed. — Greg Ip, WSJ, "Trump’s Volatility Only Adds to Stock-Market Selling Pressure," 26 Dec. 2018 First, Rebecca and Greg actually got together, and their relationship imploded spectacularly because both of them were way too unstable to be in a serious relationship with anyone. — Constance Grady, Vox, "How Crazy Ex-Girlfriend pulled off recasting Greg, one of its biggest characters," 12 Dec. 2018 Susan Kelechi Watson's performance as Beth Pearson in the show resonated so strongly with viewers that, when rumors of her character possibly being killed off of the show began circulating, the Twitterverse nearly imploded. — Jennifer Lance, Glamour, "Meet Our November Cover Stars: The Women of This Is Us," 9 Oct. 2018 But China’s shadow banking system—comprising wealth-management products, trust loans and the like—looks every bit as precarious as the Western version that imploded a decade ago. — Edward Chancellor, WSJ, "‘Red Flags’ Review: Trade War and Other Troubles," 9 Dec. 2018 Then, as if an Internet-imploding whirlwind romance weren't extra enough, Jonas apparently closed down a Tiffany store to pick out the ring for his (maybe) fiancé. — Emily Wang, Glamour, "People Cannot Handle Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas's Maybe-Engagement," 27 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'implode.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.