implosion

[ im-ploh-zhuhn ]

noun

1. the act of imploding; a bursting inward ( explosion ).
2. Phonetics.
   1. the occlusive phase of stop consonants.
   2. (of a stop consonant) the nasal release heard in the common pronunciation of eaten, sudden, or mitten, in which the vowel of the final syllable is greatly reduced.
   3. the ingressive release of a suction stop. Compare plosion.

implosion

/ ɪmˈpləʊʒən /

noun

1. the act or process of imploding

   the implosion of a light bulb

2. phonetics the suction or inhalation of breath employed in the pronunciation of an ingressive consonant

Word History and Origins

Origin of implosion¹

First recorded in 1875–80; im- ¹ + (ex)plosion

Example Sentences

England's implosion was a complete contrast to the opening half an hour, as Root and Brook looked to have found the right rhythm to their batting.

From BBC

But a return to 33-year-old Stokes and Root would risk repeating the mistakes of their Indian implosion.

From BBC

Just 90 minutes later, these five would become the victims of a deep sea disaster: an implosion.

From BBC

It was not confirmed whether the damage to the hull had caused the implosion.

From BBC

But, in 2022, rumours of financial trouble sparked a run on its deposits, precipitating the firm's implosion and exposing Bankman-Fried's crimes.

From BBC

Related Words

• bankruptcy
• breakdown
• collapse
• decline
• defeat
• deficiency
• deterioration
• failing
• loss
• misstep