explode
ihk-SPLOHD
Explode (verb) means to burst apart suddenly and violently, often with a loud noise. Example: “The old boiler exploded, shattering windows nearby.”
verb
1
To burst apart suddenly and violently, often with a loud noise.
"The old boiler exploded, shattering windows nearby."
"Fireworks exploded over the harbor at midnight."
"The gas canister exploded when it was left too close to the fire."
2
To suddenly express strong emotion, especially anger.
"He exploded with rage when he saw the bill."
"When the referee ignored the foul, the coach exploded and shouted at him."
"She tried to stay calm, but finally exploded at her noisy neighbours."
3
To increase suddenly and dramatically.
"Sales exploded after the product went viral online."
"The city's population exploded once the new railway line opened."
"Interest in the game exploded among teenagers during the summer holidays."
How to use explode
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo burst violently, to suddenly lose your temper, or to increase very rapidly.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
explode with anger
a bomb exploded
demand exploded
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- explodes
- Past tense
- exploded
- Archaic forms
- explodest, explodedst, explodeth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old boiler _____, shattering windows nearby.
Etymology
From Latin explodere, "to drive off the stage by clapping" — originally a theatre term for booing a bad actor off, later shifting to mean "burst violently" by the 1880s.
Class of 1880
explode joined the language around 1880.
See the full Class of 1880 →
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for explode
See all rhymes for explode →Frequently asked questions
What does “explode” mean?
The word “explode” means to burst apart suddenly and violently, often with a loud noise. In plain terms, to burst violently, to suddenly lose your temper, or to increase very rapidly.
How do you pronounce “explode”?
“Explode” is pronounced ihk-SPLOHD (/ɪkˈsploʊd/ in IPA).
How do you use “explode” in a sentence?
Here is “explode” used in a sentence: “The old boiler exploded, shattering windows nearby.”
What is another word for “explode”?
Words with a similar meaning to “explode” include asplode, blast, blow, blow up, burst and detonate.
What is the opposite of “explode”?
The opposite of “explode” — its antonyms — is implode.
What part of speech is “explode”?
“Explode” is a verb.
Where does the word “explode” come from?
The word “explode” dates back to around 1880 and comes from Latin. From Latin explodere, "to drive off the stage by clapping" — originally a theatre term for booing a bad actor off, later shifting to mean "burst violently" by the 1880s.
Is “explode” a common word?
“Explode” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between explode and detonate?
Explode is the general term for bursting apart suddenly and violently, often with a loud noise, and can happen accidentally or naturally. Detonate specifically refers to triggering an explosive device, usually deliberately, and is a more technical term.
Can explode describe emotions rather than physical bursts?
Yes, explode is commonly used figuratively to describe suddenly expressing strong emotion, especially anger, as in "he exploded with rage." This meaning extends the physical sense of bursting violently to an emotional outburst.
How is explode used to describe growth or increase?
Explode can describe something increasing suddenly and dramatically, such as "sales exploded" or "the population exploded," meaning rapid and significant growth rather than a literal blast.
