explode

American  

[ik-splohd] / ɪkˈsploʊd /

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.

5. Golf. to play an explosion shot on a golf ball.

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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 British  

/ ɪkˈspləʊd /

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

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Other Word Forms

• exploder noun
• preexplode verb
• unexploded adjective

Etymology

Origin of explode

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

Explanation

Anything and anyone can explode — that is, produce a violent, sudden and usually very loud release of energy. Explode's two most common meanings refer to a physically destructive act, most commonly a bomb going off, or metaphorically, as in your parents' sudden fury when they see your end-of-year grades. Originally explode meant something quite different — to drive an unpleasing actor or group of performers from the stage by clapping and booing. (From the Latin words ex, meaning "out," and plaudere, "to clap one's hands.") Those ancient Greek and Roman crowds were tough.

Example Sentences

It is April, my favorite month in the corner of South West England where I live, when the beech woods explode with wild bluebells and the star-headed flowers of wild garlic ripple in the breeze.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

The device failed to explode and it was discovered and disassembled by the authorities on March 16, the US Attorney's office said in a statement.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

“As seen in social media videos during the 2025 postseason, the walking path continues to explode in popularity,” Metro spokesman Jose Ubaldo said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

Heavy elements such as gold and platinum are forged under extraordinary conditions, including when stars collapse, explode, or collide.

From Science Daily • Mar. 13, 2026

They watched Eisman double-dip his edamame in the communal soy sauce—dip, suck, redip, resuck—and waited for the room to explode.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

Related Words

• blast
• break out
• burst
• collapse
• detonate
• erupt
• mushroom
• rupture
• set off
• shatter