Skip to definition.
Get the FREE one-click dictionary software for Windows or the iPhone/iPad and Android apps


Verb: explode  ik'splowd
  1. Cause to burst with a violent release of energy
    "We exploded the nuclear bomb";
    - detonate, blow up, set off
     
  2. Burst outward, usually with noise
    "The champagne bottle exploded";
    - burst
     
  3. Show a violent emotional reaction
    "The boss exploded when he heard of the resignation of the secretary"
     
  4. Be unleashed; emerge with violence or noise
    "His anger exploded";
    - burst forth, break loose
     
  5. Destroy by exploding
    "The enemy exploded the bridge"
     
  6. Cause to burst as a result of air pressure; of stop consonants like /p/, /t/, and /k/
     
  7. Drive from the stage by noisy disapproval
     
  8. Show (a theory or claim) to be baseless, or refute and make obsolete
     
  9. Burst and release energy as through a violent chemical or physical reaction
    "The Molotov cocktail exploded";
    - detonate, blow up
     
  10. Increase rapidly and in an uncontrolled manner
    "The population of India is exploding";
    - irrupt

Derived forms: exploded, explodes, exploding

Type of: articulate, change integrity, change state, condemn, confute, destroy, disprove, enounce, enunciate, increase, pronounce, react, reply, respond, ruin, say, sound out, turn

Antonym: go off

Encyclopedia: Explode