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

Bandido hit a reverse hurricanrana from the apron to the floor as the crowd imploded. —Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026

The film is the highest-profile producing return for Kavanaugh, the once high-flying Relativity Media boss who helped finance films including The Social Network, The Fighter and The Fast and the Furious before the studio imploded in 2015. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 22 May 2026

The 22-year-old Canadian imploded for seven runs (six earned) in 1 2/3 innings in his last start on May 14. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 22 May 2026

China’s economic struggles, such as an imploding property sector, a regulatory crackdown on big tech, and sluggish consumption, have also weighed on the city’s role as a link to the larger economy up north. —Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 19 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