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

Those questions aren’t going anywhere, especially given so much of the cast that imploded in Game 5 and Game 7 of the second round last year has returned. —James Mirtle, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025

The roller coaster kept climbing higher and dropping lower until a decade and a half ago, when the film and TV star hit a new peak, then imploded. —Oren Peleg, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025

Never underestimate the ability of Wall Street to manufacture products that may implode. —Vineer Bhansali, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

When, online, Fran Da Silva is accused of being Alice Bell, her happy family life implodes in a wave of mob hate. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Sep. 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