implode

verb

im·​plode im-ˈplōd How to pronounce implode (audio)
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 factionalismJan Hoffman

transitive verb

: to cause to implode

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 Three of Kody’s marriages imploded within a span of 14 months. Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 20 Nov. 2023 But the more interesting question is why is this happening now and why is the culture imploding? Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 10 Nov. 2023 Longtime ace Clayton Kershaw, who will be a free agent this offseason and will consider retiring at age 35, imploded in a Game 1 defeat after pitching through a shoulder injury during the season’s final two months. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2023 The consumer bureau initially focused on creating new guardrails for the mortgage industry that had just imploded. Stacy Cowley, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2023 Defensively, the Chargers mustered enough pressure without blitzing to keep their erratic pass defense from totally imploding. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Sep. 2023 The company imploded in 2019, filing for bankruptcy amid a pile of lawsuits and a federal investigation into fraud allegations. Joshua Goodman, arkansasonline.com, 12 Nov. 2023 By the time the ’60s were imploding, Brian had become more than an addled drug abuser. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Nov. 2023 This summer, five people on a tourist mission to see the ship’s wreckage were killed when their vessel imploded, a tragedy that also commanded worldwide attention. Justine McDaniel, Washington Post, 9 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'implode.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of implode was in 1881

Dictionary Entries Near implode

Cite this Entry

“Implode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/implode. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

implode

verb
im·​plode im-ˈplōd How to pronounce implode (audio)
imploded; imploding
: to burst inward

More from Merriam-Webster on implode

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!