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View synonyms for

explode

[ ik-splohd ]

verb (used without object)

exploded, exploding.
  1. to expand with force and noise because of rapid chemical change or decomposition, as gunpowder or nitroglycerine ( implode ).
  2. to burst, fly into pieces, or break up violently with a loud report, as a boiler from excessive pressure of steam.
  3. to burst forth violently or emotionally, especially with noise, laughter, violent speech, etc.:

    He exploded with rage when contradicted.

  4. Phonetics. (of plosives) to terminate the occlusive phase with a plosion. Compare implode ( def 2 ).
  5. Golf. to play an explosion shot on a golf ball.


verb (used with object)

exploded, exploding.
  1. to cause (gunpowder, a boiler, etc.) to explode.
  2. to cause to be rejected; destroy the repute of; discredit or disprove:

    to explode a theory.

  3. Phonetics. to end with plosion.
  4. Golf. to play an explosion shot on (a golf ball).
  5. Obsolete. to drive (a player, play, etc.) from the stage by loud expressions of disapprobation.

explode

/ ɪˈəʊ /

verb

  1. to burst or cause to burst with great violence as a result of internal pressure, esp through the detonation of an explosive; blow up
  2. to destroy or be destroyed in this manner

    to explode a bridge

  3. (of a gas) to undergo or cause (a gas) to undergo a sudden violent expansion, accompanied by heat, light, a shock wave, and a loud noise, as a result of a fast uncontrolled exothermic chemical or nuclear reaction
  4. intr to react suddenly or violently with emotion, etc

    to explode with anger

  5. intr (esp of a population) to increase rapidly
  6. tr to show (a theory, etc) to be baseless; refute and make obsolete
  7. tr phonetics to pronounce (a stop) with audible plosion
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈǻ, noun
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Other Word Forms

  • ·ǻİ noun
  • e·ǻ verb preexploded preexploding
  • ܲe·ǻĻ adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of explode1

First recorded in 1530–40; from Latin ō “to drive off by clapping, drive away,” from ex- ex- 1 + -ō, variant stem of plaudere “to clap” ( applaud )
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Word History and Origins

Origin of explode1

C16: from Latin ō to drive off by clapping, hiss (an actor) off, from ex- 1+ plaudere to clap
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

An independent think tank, Expert Forum, published a report saying Georgescu's explosive rise on TikTok was "created suddenly and artificially - consistent with the way he exploded in the polls".

From

Ms Daines added that the lady whose house had exploded was concerned about her dog.

From

Customs authorities have said imported cargo caught fire and exploded.

From

It was finally unleashed in a wall of sound - fireworks exploded behind the Kop, another fog of red smoke swept around Anfield accompanied by an outpouring of tears from players and fans alike.

From

Psychedelic use has exploded in recent years with a wealth of studies pointing to their potential treatment for depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and addiction.

From

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explicitlyexploded view