explode
2 ENTRIES FOUND:
explodes;
exploded;
exploding
explodes;
exploded;
exploding
Britannica Dictionary definition of EXPLODE
1
:
to suddenly break apart in a violent way with parts flying outward
—
compare implode
[no object]
-
The bomb could explode [=blow up, detonate] at any minute.
-
One of the shells failed to explode.
-
an exploding volcano
[+ object]
-
explode [=blow up, detonate] a bomb
2
[no object]
a
:
to change in a very sudden and violent way
-
These occasional skirmishes may soon explode into all-out war.
b
:
to move with sudden speed and force
-
The horses exploded [=burst] out of the starting gate.
-
The birds suddenly exploded into flight.
-
We exploded [=burst] into action.
c
:
to be affected by something very suddenly
-
The building exploded in/into flames/fire.
-
The audience exploded with/in/into laughter. [=everyone burst out laughing]
3
a
[no object]
:
to express emotion in a sudden and violent way
-
She looked like she was ready to explode with anger.
b
[+ object]
:
to say (something) in a sudden and angry way
-
“Damn you!” she exploded.
4
[+ object]
:
to show that (something, such as a belief or theory) is false
-
Science has exploded many old theories.
-
The book explodes a number of myths/legends about his youth.
5
[no object]
:
to increase very quickly
-
The deer population has recently exploded.
-
the exploding [=soaring, rising] costs of childcare
-
The book has exploded in popularity.
