explode meaning

UK /ɪkˈspləʊd/ US /ɪkˈsploʊd/ 2 syllables

explode (verb): cause to burst with a violent release of energy.

explode has 10 meanings in this dictionary.

explode as a verb

  1. cause to burst with a violent release of energy
    • We exploded the nuclear bomb

    Synonyms: detonate, blow up, set off

    Type of: change integrity

    Kinds: fulminate, dynamite

    Related forms: explosion

  2. burst outward, usually with noise
    • The champagne bottle exploded

    Synonyms: burst

    Opposite: implode

    Type of: change integrity

    Kinds: crump, go off, erupt

    Related forms: explosion

  3. show a violent emotional reaction
    • The boss exploded when he heard of the resignation of the secretary

    Type of: react

  4. be unleashed; emerge with violence or noise
    • His anger exploded

    Synonyms: burst forth, break loose

    Type of: change state

    Related forms: explosion

  5. destroy by exploding
    • The enemy exploded the bridge

    Type of: destroy

  6. cause to burst as a result of air pressure; of stop consonants like /p/, /t/, and /k/

    Type of: pronounce

    Related forms: explosion

  7. drive from the stage by noisy disapproval

    Type of: condemn

  8. show (a theory or claim) to be baseless, or refute and make obsolete

    Type of: disprove

  9. burst and release energy as through a violent chemical or physical reaction
    • the bomb detonated at noon
    • The Molotov cocktail exploded

    Synonyms: detonate, blow up

  10. increase rapidly and in an uncontrolled manner
    • The population of India is exploding
    • The island's rodent population irrupted

    Synonyms: irrupt

    Type of: increase

    Related forms: explosion

How to pronounce explode

explode is pronounced /ɪkˈspləʊd/ in British English and /ɪkˈsploʊd/ in American English. It has 2 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.

Words that rhyme with explode

Scrabble score: 17 (letter breakdown)

Word lists: words starting with EX · words ending in DE · 7-letter words

More about explode on Wikipedia.