explode

verb
UK: /ɪkˈspləʊd/
US: /ɪkˈsploʊd/

  1. To burst or shatter violently, releasing energy suddenly.

    1. The bomb will explode soon if it's not disarmed quickly. [ ] [ ]
    2. If you shake that soda too hard, the can might explode with a fizzy mess. [ ] [ ]

  2. To increase suddenly and rapidly in amount or number.

    1. The city's population began to explode after the new factory opened. [ ] [ ]
    2. Social media usage can explode overnight after a celebrity endorsement. [ ] [ ]

  3. To express emotions, such as anger, suddenly and intensely.

    1. He will explode with anger if you tell him about the accident. [ ] [ ]
    2. After holding it in for so long, she finally explode with frustration and tears. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

mushroom erupt detonate outburst burst
explode transitive-verb

  1. To cause to burst or shatter violently.

    1. They explode the old building to make room for the new one. [ ] [ ]
    2. The company plans to explode the outdated product line with innovative releases. [ ] [ ]
explode intransitive-verb

  1. To burst or shatter violently.

    1. The firecrackers will explode during the celebration tonight. [ ] [ ]
    2. The pressure in the pipe may explode if it is not released in time. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "explode" in English means: To burst or shatter violently, releasing energy suddenly., To increase suddenly and rapidly in amount or number., To express emotions, such as anger, suddenly and intensely..

The phonetic transcription of "explode" is /ɪkˈspləʊd/ in British English and /ɪkˈsploʊd/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "explode": mushroom, erupt, detonate, outburst, burst.

Example usage of "explode": "The bomb will explode soon if it's not disarmed quickly.". More examples on the page.