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

Another big plank of Daunt’s strategy is to continue improving stores and to open stores in markets Barnes & Noble abandoned during its 2010s-era implosion. — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026

The site became available on the heels of two bankruptcies and the ultimate implosion of Rite-Aid, which ceased operations in October 2025 after closing all of its remaining physical stores. — George Avalos, Mercury News, 31 July 2026

The public implosion of illicit-finance talks Tuesday suggests otherwise. — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 29 July 2026

The implosion of Platner’s candidacy was the perfect cocktail of consultant malpractice, empty suit authenticity, and moral expediency. — Maria Comella, Vanity Fair, 23 July 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