Explode — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ik-ˈsplōd/ ex·plode

Meaning & Definition of Explode

Explode (verb)

  1. to burst forth with sudden violence or noise from internal energy
  2. to undergo a rapid chemical or nuclear reaction with the production of noise, heat, and violent expansion of gases
  3. to burst violently as a result of pressure from within

Explode (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to break open or into pieces usually because of internal pressure

    "the building was wrecked when a powerful bomb exploded"

    similar: blow, blow up, burst, crump, detonate, go off, pop
    related: fragment, shatter, smash, splinter, discharge, fire, shoot, balloon, burgeon, mushroom
    opposite: implode
    near: collapse, fizzle

  2. to cause to break open or into pieces by or as if by an explosive

    "the bomb was so powerful that it exploded windows in several neighboring buildings"

    similar: blast, blow, blow up, burst, demolish, pop, shatter, smash
    related: dynamite, annihilate, decimate, destroy, ruin, wreck, detonate, discharge, fragment, splinter
    near: collapse, implode

  3. to develop suddenly and violently

    "the mayor's latest unpopular decision caused long-suppressed resentment to explode into open anger"

    similar: blaze (up), break out, burst (forth), erupt, flame, flare (up)
    related: rocket, skyrocket, balloon, burgeon, mount, multiply, mushroom, proliferate, snowball, swell, wax, blow up, detonate, touch off

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Explode

The most common words with a similar meaning to Explode:

blow, blow up, burst, crump, detonate, go off, pop, blast, demolish, shatter, smash, blaze (up), break out, burst (forth), erupt, flame, flare (up)

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Explode

Words with the opposite meaning of Explode:

implode

Related Words for Explode

fragment, splinter, discharge, fire, shoot, balloon, burgeon, mushroom, dynamite, annihilate, decimate, destroy, ruin, wreck, rocket, skyrocket, mount, multiply, proliferate, snowball, swell, wax, touch off

Near Antonyms of Explode

collapse, fizzle

Word Forms of Explode

Inflections: exploded, exploding

Derived words: exploder (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Explode

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

First known use: 1615t

Words & Phrases Containing Explode

burst/explode into flames

Frequently Asked Questions about Explode

What does "Explode" mean?

"Explode" means to burst forth with sudden violence or noise from internal energy. As a verb, it is defined as: to burst forth with sudden violence or noise from internal energy. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Explode"?

Other words for "Explode" include blow, blow up, burst, crump, detonate, go off, pop and blast. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Explode" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Explode"?

There are 40 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Explode". Common alternatives include blow, blow up, burst, crump, detonate, go off, pop, blast, demolish and shatter.

What is the opposite of "Explode"?

Antonyms of "Explode" include implode. Near antonyms include collapse and fizzle.

How do you use "Explode" in a sentence?

Examples of "Explode" in a sentence: "the building was wrecked when a powerful bomb exploded"; "the bomb was so powerful that it exploded windows in several neighboring buildings"; "the mayor's latest unpopular decision caused long-suppressed resentment to explode into open anger".

Is "Explode" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Explode" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Explode"?

"Explode" is pronounced /ik-ˈsplōd/ and divided into syllables as ex·plode.

What is the origin of the word "Explode"?

"Explode" comes from Latin explodere to drive off the stage by clapping, from ex- + plaudere to clap. First known use: 1615t.