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| Date: | 1500-1600 |
| Language: | Latin |
| Origin: | explodere 'to drive off the stage by clapping', from plaudere 'to clap' |
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ex‧plode
1 to burst, or to make something burst, into small pieces, usually with a loud noise and in a way that causes damage [↪ explosion]: 
The device was thrown at an army patrol but failed to explode.Far sooner than anyone thought possible, the Russians exploded an atomic bomb.
burst
[intransitive and transitive]The device was thrown at an army patrol but failed to explode.Far sooner than anyone thought possible, the Russians exploded an atomic bomb.2 to suddenly increase greatly in number, amount, or degree [= rocket; ↪ explosion]: Florida's population exploded after World War II.
increase suddenly
[intransitive]Florida's population exploded after World War II.3 to suddenly express strong feelings such as anger ➔ explosion Paul exploded. 'What has it got to do with you?' he yelled.
strong feelings
[intransitive]Paul exploded. 'What has it got to do with you?' he yelled. explode with She exploded with grief and anger. He told a joke which made Hank explode with laughter.
She exploded with grief and anger.He told a joke which made Hank explode with laughter.4 if a situation explodes, it is suddenly no longer controlled, and is often violent [= blow up]: Riots may explode at any time.
become dangerous
[intransitive]Riots may explode at any time. explode into The continued tension could explode into more violence.
The continued tension could explode into more violence.5 to prove that something that is believed by many people is actually wrong or not true : The programme sets out to explode the myth that some delicate tropical fish are impossible to keep.
explode the myth
The programme sets out to explode the myth that some delicate tropical fish are impossible to keep.6 to make a very loud noise [↪ explosion]: A clap of thunder exploded overhead.
make a loud noise
[intransitive]A clap of thunder exploded overhead.