explode

verb

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

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
2
a
: 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
exploder noun

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.
Recent Examples on the Web The group had drawn the ire of the company’s owner, Elon Musk, by sharing research that revealed how racist and hateful content had exploded on the platform since his takeover in 2022. Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2024 Dinah Voyles Pulver Joyce Blankenship, an 83-year-old grandmother of four, died inside her home in February when a single brush fire exploded in size in just 24 hours, racing across the landscape, burning her home and others in Stinnett, Texas. USA TODAY, 24 Mar. 2024 Off screen, Paltrow’s own business venture — the lifestyle brand Goop — has exploded in popularity, despite backlash concerning the scientific validity of many of its wellness claims. Andrew Walsh, EW.com, 24 Mar. 2024 But during the pandemic, when consumers had more time on their hands and Zoom calls became more popular, TikTok beauty and skin care videos exploded. Julie Creswell, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2024 When the rocket and its Super Heavy booster were scheduled to separate, a few minutes into the flight, the two parts exploded. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Mar. 2024 The Willis' minivan ran over the bracket and exploded in flames, killing the six children. March 26, 2002 (Jefferson County): 6 people killed A retirement home bus carrying more than 20 people crashed with a van on state Highway 16, 30 miles west of Milwaukee, according to previous media reports. Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2024 But the other conferences declined, bottling up an issue that eventually exploded. Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2024 The company had hoped to fly the ship all the way to the surface of Indian Ocean, where it was expected to hit hard and explode. Christian Davenport, Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'explode.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of explode was in 1615

Dictionary Entries Near explode

Cite this Entry

“Explode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explode. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

explode

verb
ex·​plode ik-ˈsplōd How to pronounce explode (audio)
exploded; exploding
1
: to cause to be given up or rejected
science has exploded many old theories
2
a
: to burst or cause to burst with violence and noise
the boiler exploded
b
: to go through a rapid chemical or nuclear reaction with the production of noise, heat, and violent expansion of gases
the bomb exploded
3
: to burst forth
exploded with laughter
zoomed out of the alley and exploded into the street
Etymology

from Latin explaudere "to drive off the stage by clapping," from ex- "out, away" and plaudere "to clap" — related to applaud, plaudit, plausible see Word History at plausible

Word Origin
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 the Romans were showing their approval of a performance, the word used was applaudere, from which we get our English word applaud. When the Romans did not like a performance, they often drove the performer from the stage by loud claps. The word for this was explaudere, from the prefix ex-, meaning "out, away," and plaudere. It is from this word that we get our English word explode. In the beginning, the English word explode had the meaning "to drive from the stage by a noisy expression of dislike." But this sense has all but disappeared. Other meanings that have either the idea of disapproval or the idea of violent noise have since come into wide use.

Medical Definition

explode

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

transitive verb

: to cause to explode or burst noisily
explode a bomb

intransitive verb

: to undergo a rapid chemical or nuclear reaction with the production of noise, heat, and violent expansion of gases

More from Merriam-Webster on explode

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