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

Worries are particularly high about companies in the artificial-intelligence industry, where pessimists see echoes of the 2000 dot-com bubble that imploded. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025

On the other sideline, the Bears imploded after the loss, dropping their next nine games, some in equally excruciating fashion. —David Aldridge, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025

Almost all major private real estate firms have imploded. —Andy Browne, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2025

Flee, as the situation would have it, right into the arms of the American military carriers that were just offshore as the country imploded into flames. —Arabelle Sicardi, Allure, 9 Oct. 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