At first, explode meant “to drive from the stage by a noisy expression of dislike,” but this sense has all but disappeared. One of the shells failed to explode. These occasional skirmishes may …

explode a myth This book finally explodes some of the myths about the origin of the universe. [ I ] A bomb exploded nearby. [ T ] Black holes are left behind by exploding stars called …

Jan 2, 2026 · In English it used to mean to "drive out with violence and sudden noise" (from around 1660), and later meaning to "go off with a loud noise" (from around 1790). The sense …

1. to expand with force and noise through rapid chemical change or decomposition, as gunpowder or nitroglycerine (opposed to implode). 2. to burst violently, as a boiler from excessive …

Explode 's two most common meanings refer to a physically destructive act, most commonly a bomb going off, or metaphorically, as in your parents' sudden fury when they see your end-of …

Definition of explode verb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. [intransitive, transitive] to burst (= break apart) or make something burst loudly and violently, causing damage …

There are 23 meanings listed in OED's entry for the verb explode, six of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. How common is …

We exploded [= burst] into action. The building exploded in/into flames/fire. She looked like she was ready to explode with anger. “Damn you!” she exploded. Science has exploded many old …

If an object such as a bomb explodes or if someone or something explodes it, it bursts loudly and with great force, often causing damage or injury. They were clearing up when the second …

To explode means to burst or shatter violently and noisily as a result of rapid combustion, excessive internal pressure, or other kind of reaction.