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

The film is the highest-profile producing return for Ryan 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, 14 Apr. 2026

Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign imploded in a matter of hours after a series of damning reports, and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, including his longtime Golden State ally Nancy Pelosi, quickly soured on him. —Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2026

The Mandarin Oriental, a luxury hotel that opened in 1988, was imploded on April 12, 2026, to make way for an even more luxurious complex. —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 13 Apr. 2026

Zendaya and Robert Pattinson star in Kristoffer Borgli’s rug-pull rom-com, which follows a soon-to-be-married couple whose relationship implodes after a shocking revelation. —Jack Dunn, Variety, 11 Apr. 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