First Known Use: 1605
Dictionary
explode
verb ex·plode \ik-ˈsplōd\
: to suddenly break apart in a violent way with parts flying outward
: to change in a very sudden and violent way
: to move with sudden speed and force
ex·plod·edex·plod·ing
Full Definition of EXPLODE
transitive verb
1
archaic : to drive from the stage by noisy disapproval
2
: to bring into disrepute or discredit <explode a theory>
3
: to cause to explode or burst noisily <explode a bomb>
intransitive verb
1
: to burst forth with sudden violence or noise from internal energy: 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>
— ex·plod·er noun
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Origin of EXPLODE
Latin explodere to drive off the stage by clapping, from ex- + plaudere to clap
Rhymes with EXPLODE
abode, anode, bar code, boatload, busload, byroad, carload, cartload, caseload, cathode, church mode, commode, corrode, crossroad, dead load, decode, diode, displode, download, dress code, dynode, embowed, encode, epode, erode, forebode, freeload, front-load, geode, high road, implode, inroad, live load, lymph node, no-load, off-load, outmode, payload, planeload, postcode, post road, railroad, rhapsode, sarod, shipload, side road, Silk Road, skid road, source code, spring-load, square-toed, tetrode, threnode, trainload, triode, truckload, unload, upload, zip code
EXPLODE Defined for Kids
explode
verb ex·plode \ik-ˈsplōd\
ex·plod·edex·plod·ing
Definition of EXPLODE for Kids
1
: to burst or cause to burst with violence and noise <The bomb exploded.>
2
: to suddenly show or say with great emotion <He exploded with anger.>
Medical Dictionary
explode
verb ex·plode \ik-ˈsplōd\
ex·plod·edex·plod·ing
Medical Definition of EXPLODE
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
Learn More About EXPLODE
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