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 the sport has the potential to implode. —Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 1 June 2026

Atlanta basically has eight of these events this summer, but the city did not implode under the former examples. —Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 31 May 2026

Seven others were hospitalized after a 900,000-gallon tank of white liquor used in paper production imploded. —Evan Bush, NBC news, 30 May 2026

Relievers Alex Lange and Daniel Lynch IV helped maintain the Royals’ lead until Erceg imploded in the ninth. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 30 May 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