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

• 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

The praise is also powerful given the long and often violent history between Randy Orton and Triple H. Triple H originally brought a young Orton into WWE as his protégé in the Evolution faction, but their relationship famously imploded when Orton won his first World Heavyweight Championship. —Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025

After falling into disrepair, the hotel was imploded three years ago. —Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

The Magic, once the toast of the league with a young Dwight Howard and an NBA Finals appearance in 2009, were imploding. —Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2025

But Rush persisted, even after small-scale prototypes imploded. —Eileen Finan, People.com, 10 June 2025

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