explode

1 to break open or into pieces usually because of internal pressure the building was wrecked when a powerful bomb exploded Synonyms blow, blow up, burst, crump, detonate, go off, pop Related Words fragment, shatter, smash, splinter; discharge, fire, shoot; balloon, burgeon (also bourgeon), mushroom Near Antonyms collapse, fizzle Antonyms implode

2 to cause to break open or into pieces by or as if by an explosive the bomb was so powerful that it exploded windows in several neighboring buildings Synonyms blow, blow up, burst, demolish, blast, pop, shatter, smashRelated Words dynamite; annihilate, decimate, destroy; ruin, wreck; detonate, discharge; fragment, splinterNear Antonyms collapse, implode

3 to develop suddenly and violently the mayor's latest unpopular decision caused long-suppressed resentment to explode into open anger Synonyms blaze (up), break out, burst (forth), erupt, flame, flare (up)Related Words rocket, skyrocket; balloon, burgeon (also bourgeon), mount, multiply, mushroom, proliferate, snowball, swell, wax; blow up, detonate, touch off