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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

 The injury that didn't ruin him He heard his knee explode. — Gregg Doyel, Indianapolis Star, "Doyel: Nick Westbrook isn't your typical WR — not on the field, and definitely not off it," 12 Aug. 2019 As sales have slowed, the number of condos on the market has exploded. — oregonlive.com, "Betting on the Ritz: New downtown tower to offer record-breaking prices," 10 Aug. 2019 The mines are dropped into the sea and explode when ships pass. — Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, "Iran Has Hundreds of Naval Mines. U.S. Navy Minesweepers Find Old Dishwashers and Car Parts.," 9 Aug. 2019 The microscopic organisms can survive for decades completely frozen with no moisture and can survive high heat and pressure that would basically make any other living thing explode. — Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "A Crashed Spacecraft Might Have Put Earth’s Most Indestructible Organisms on the Moon," 8 Aug. 2019 My best friends threw me a baby shower and my heart is exploding. — Jen Juneau, PEOPLE.com, "Krysten Ritter Is a Mom! Actress Welcomes Son Bruce Julian Knight with Boyfriend Adam Granduciel," 8 Aug. 2019 Finally breaking loose after a week of mounting frustration, the Brewers exploded behind two home runs by Christian Yelich and out-slugg the Pirates, 9-7, Monday night at PNC Park, snapping a four-game losing streak. — Tom Haudricourt, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Brewers 9, Pirates 7: Christian Yelich hits two home runs and offense finally comes to life," 5 Aug. 2019 But the loud, cluttered sequences that involve dangling from skyscrapers, exploding vehicles and the like are the least exciting elements of Hobbs & Shaw. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, "Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw Proves There’s Such a Thing as Too Much Action," 31 July 2019 The fictional story is that on Sept. 9, 1999, the producers were in the studio recording when suddenly, a sampler exploded. — Kat Bein, Billboard, "11 DJs Who Wear Masks and the Stories Behind Them," 29 July 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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