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

Cincinnati implodes to exit tourney Eighteen days after beating Kansas, ranked eighth in the country at the time, the Cincinnati Bearcats blew a second-half lead and lost to UCF in overtime at T-Mobile Center. —Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 11 Mar. 2026

Ambitious, capricious, Catalina is accustomed to getting her way, until her life in Spain implodes forcing her to flee to Cuba, to confront her mistakes, guilt and need to rebuild her entire life. —John Hopewell, Variety, 9 Mar. 2026

When Federal Reserve Board Chairman Alan Greenspan instead raised rates, the portfolio imploded. —John Seiler, Oc Register, 8 Mar. 2026

The decision ended all legal proceedings against Macri, who served as head of state when the submarine imploded. —Almudena Calatrava, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 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