Explode meaning

What does “explode” mean? Definitions, examples, synonyms and opposites.

“explode” is a verb with 10 meanings. Its most common meaning is: cause to burst with a violent release of energy.

explode

cause to burst with a violent release of energy
“We exploded the nuclear bomb”
Synonymsdetonate blow up set off
burst outward, usually with noise
“The champagne bottle exploded”
Synonymsburst
Oppositesimplode
show a violent emotional reaction
“The boss exploded when he heard of the resignation of the secretary”
be unleashed; emerge with violence or noise
“His anger exploded”
Synonymsburst forth break loose
destroy by exploding
“The enemy exploded the bridge”
cause to burst as a result of air pressure; of stop consonants like /p/, /t/, and /k/
drive from the stage by noisy disapproval
show (a theory or claim) to be baseless, or refute and make obsolete
burst and release energy as through a violent chemical or physical reaction
“the bomb detonated at noon”
“The Molotov cocktail exploded”
Synonymsdetonate blow up
increase rapidly and in an uncontrolled manner
“The population of India is exploding”
“The island's rodent population irrupted”
Synonymsirrupt

Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University