explode
Other forms: exploded; exploding; explodes
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.
Definitions of explode
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burst and release energy as through a violent chemical or physical reaction;"the bomb detonated at noon"
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burst outward, usually with noise
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synonyms:
burst
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types:
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crump
explode heavily or with a loud dull noise
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go off
be discharged or activated
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belch, erupt, extravasate
become active and spew forth lava and rocks
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type of:
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change integrity
change in physical make-up
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crump
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cause to burst with a violent release of energy
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increase rapidly and in an uncontrolled manner
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destroy by exploding
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be unleashed; emerge with violence or noise“His anger exploded”
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synonyms:
break loose, burst forth
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type of:
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change state, turn
undergo a transformation or a change of position or action
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change state, turn
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show a violent emotional reaction
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cause to burst as a result of air pressure; of stop consonants like /p/, /t/, and /k/
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drive from the stage by noisy disapproval
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type of:
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condemn
declare or judge unfit for use or habitation
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condemn
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show (a theory or claim) to be baseless, or refute and make obsolete
Pronunciation
US
/ɛkˈsploʊd/
UK
/ɛksˈpləʊd/
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Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors.
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