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explode

verb
ex·​plode | \ ik-ˈsplōd How to pronounce explode (audio) \
exploded; exploding

Definition of explode

intransitive verb

1 : to burst forth with sudden violence or noise from internal energy: such as
a : to undergo a rapid chemical or nuclear reaction with the production of noise, heat, and violent expansion of gases dynamite explodes
b : to burst violently as a result of pressure from within
2a : to give forth a sudden strong and noisy outburst of emotion exploded in anger
b : to move with sudden speed and force exploded from the starting gate
3 : to increase rapidly the population of the city exploded
4 : to suggest an explosion (as in appearance or effect) shrubs exploded with blossoms

transitive verb

1 : to cause to explode or burst noisily explode a bomb
2 : to bring into disrepute or discredit explode a theory
3 archaic : to drive from the stage by noisy disapproval
Other Words from explode Synonyms & Antonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about explode

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Other Words from explode

exploder noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for explode

Synonyms

blow, blow up, burst, crump, detonate, go off, pop

Antonyms

implode

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Did You Know?

Theatergoers in ancient Rome could be noisy in showing both their enjoyment and their dislike of a performance. One of the ways they made noise was by clapping their hands loudly. The Latin verb plaudere meant “to make a noise by loud clapping.” When Romans were showing their approval of a performance, the word used was applaudere, from which we get our English word applaud. When Romans did not like a performance, they often drove the performer from the stage by loud claps. The word for this was explodere or explaudere, from the prefix ex-, meaning “out, away,” and plaudere. From this word we get our English word explode. At first, explode meant “to drive from the stage by a noisy expression of dislike,” but this sense has all but disappeared.

Examples of explode in a Sentence

One of the shells failed to explode. These occasional skirmishes may soon explode into all-out war. The birds suddenly exploded into flight. The building exploded in flames. She looked like she was ready to explode with anger.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Your brain, making the connection, explodes with pleasure chemicals. — Wired, "The Lovability of Malcolm Gladwell: A Gladwellian Analysis," 9 Sep. 2019 The Seahawks battled to a 7-7 tie before the Trojans exploded with a pair of scores just before halftime. — Daily Pilot, "Ocean View football rallies in second half to beat University," 6 Sep. 2019 Longtime contentious issue Litigation over enforcement of the Flores settlement has exploded during the Trump administration, which has detained migrant children in poor conditions along the U.S.-Mexico border since soon after taking office. — Kevin Johnson, The Conversation, "Changes for a landmark agreement mean immigrant children face harsher treatment in US," 22 Aug. 2019 Courtesy of Prudential My MBA was in finance, and the study of finance exploded with the personalization of the computer about a decade or so into my career, maybe a little earlier than that. — Heather Landy, Quartz at Work, "How to talk to employees about the future of work," 6 Aug. 2019 After that relationship exploded, way worse fears gripped me. — Margaret Wappler, Orange County Register, "First Person: Finding solace and security amid the beauty of Laguna Beach," 27 July 2019 The Crew Dragon capsule that exploded and was destroyed during a test in Cape Canaveral probably resulted from a leaking component in the propulsion system, the company said. — Richard Tribou, orlandosentinel.com, "Video shows SpaceX Starhopper engulfed in fireball during test," 15 July 2019 Despite last year’s indefinite ban on the sale and use of fireworks within city limits, Aurora is allowing the limited use of fireworks that do not explode or leave the ground through July 4, for residents 16 and up. — John Wenzel, The Know, "Denver fireworks 2019: Your guide to Fourth of July displays in the metro area," 24 June 2019 The destructive volcano also created something new: Pohoiki, a 1,000-foot-long black sand beach, which formed when hot lava flowing into the cold ocean exploded, leaving dark grains of sand in its wake, Civil Beat reports. — Nicole Winfield, sacbee, "Volcano created new Hawaii beach in 2018. It’s already covered in plastic, experts say," 4 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'explode.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of explode

1615, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 3

History and Etymology for explode

Latin explodere to drive off the stage by clapping, from ex- + plaudere to clap

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More Definitions for explode

explode

verb
How to pronounce explode (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of explode

: to suddenly break apart in a violent way with parts flying outward
: to change in a very sudden and violent way
: to move with sudden speed and force

See the full definition for explode in the English Language Learners Dictionary

explode

verb
ex·​plode | \ ik-ˈsplōd How to pronounce explode (audio) \
exploded; exploding

Kids Definition of explode

1 : to burst or cause to burst with violence and noise The bomb exploded.
2 : to suddenly show or say with great emotion He exploded with anger.

explode

verb
ex·​plode | \ ik-ˈsplōd How to pronounce explode (audio) \
exploded; exploding

Medical Definition of explode<

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