implosion

1 of 3

noun (1)

im·​plo·​sion im-ˈplō-zhən 

1

: the action of imploding

2

: the act or action of bringing to or as if to a center

also : integration

This implosion of cultures makes realistic for the first time the age-old vision of a world culture …

—Kenneth Keniston

3

: the inrush of air in forming a suction stop

implosive

im-ˈplō-siv 

-ziv

adjective or noun

implosive

2 of 3

adjective

im·​plo·​sive -ōs|iv 

|ēv also -ōz|or |əv

: of, relating to, or being an implosion : formed or uttered with implosion

implosively

|ə̇vlē, 

-li

adverb

implosive

3 of 3

noun (2)

"

plural -s

: an implosive consonant : suction stop

Examples of implosion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The Soviet Union was an archetypal fragile superpower, its red star burning bright before its dramatic final implosion. — Ben Bland, semafor.com, 1 Sep. 2026

The recent implosion of the relationship between the professional golf world and the YouTube creators Good Good Golf underscores the potential pitfalls of leaning too heavily on influencers to grow a sport. — Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Reid Detmers yielded one run and eight hits over six resilient innings, but the AL-worst Angels lost their fifth straight with yet another bullpen implosion. — Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

Punk’s past issues with Kevin Owens have not come anywhere near an implosion in WWE, which has far more authority over its talent and is therefore in better position to monetize backstage beef. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

in- entry 2 + -plosion (as in explosion)

Adjective

in- entry 2 + -plosive (as in explosive)

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for implosion

• corrosion
• erosion
• explosion

Kids Definition

implosion

noun

im·​plo·​sion im-ˈplō-zhən 

: the action of imploding

implosive

-ˈplō-siv 

-ziv

adjective