explode


Pronunciation key

( iks-plōd )
( ik-splōd )

ex•plode

v.t. [EXPLODED (-id), EXPLODING, EXPLODES]

[Obs. orig., to drive off a stage by unrestrained hooting and general dissatisfaction; L. explodere < ex-, off + plaudere, to applaud].

  1. To discredit; demonstrating falsehood or show as unreliable; cause to become rejected; expose as false: such as The theory was exploded.
  2. To rapidly burst with a loud noise; violently blow up; detonate.
  3. A liberation of mechanical, chemical or nuclear energy in an explosion possibly due to internal pressure. Cause chemicals to rapidly and violently change from a solid or liquid to a quickly expanding gas that may be flammable.

v.i.

  1. To become exploded; to loudly and violently burst.
  2. To loudly break forth such as, He exploded with rage.

References

  • Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955
  • The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition ©1985
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