Explode
/ɪkˈsploʊd/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo burst suddenly and violently, often with a loud noise, due to internal pressure or an external force.
/ɪkˈsploʊd/
To burst or shatter violently and noisily as a result of internal pressure or a force.
The fireworks exploded in a dazzling display.
💡 Simply: Imagine a water balloon. If you put too much water in it, it'll *explode* – it'll burst and make a mess! That's the basic idea.
👶 For kids: When something *explode*, it breaks apart suddenly with a big noise!
More Examples
The factory's boiler exploded due to overheating.
The population of the city exploded after the discovery of oil.
How It's Used
"The volcano's crater exploded, spewing lava and ash."
"The bomb exploded during the test."
To increase rapidly or suddenly in size, amount, or intensity.
/ɪkˈsploʊd/
To increase rapidly in size or number.
The demand for electric vehicles exploded in recent years.
💡 Simply: Think of a super popular toy. Suddenly, everyone wants it! That means the demand for it is *exploding*. It’s growing super fast.
👶 For kids: When lots and lots of things happen all at once like when a big pop star gets popular.
More Examples
Her career exploded after winning the competition.
The number of subscribers to the streaming service has exploded.
How It's Used
"The company's profits exploded after the new marketing campaign."
"The popularity of social media exploded in the 2010s."
To suddenly express a strong emotion, often violently.
/ɪkˈsploʊd/
To express a strong emotion suddenly and violently.
The politician exploded at the reporters during the press conference.
💡 Simply: Imagine you’re really, really mad or super happy! Sometimes you might “*explode*” with those feelings, like a volcano. That’s just a way of saying you show those feelings very strongly.
👶 For kids: When you get super super angry or happy!
More Examples
She exploded with relief when she found her lost dog.
He exploded in tears when he heard the tragic news.
How It's Used
"He exploded in anger when he heard the news."
"She exploded with laughter at the comedian's joke."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
explode with laughter
To laugh very loudly and uncontrollably.
"The audience exploded with laughter at the comedian's joke."
explode onto the scene
To suddenly become very famous or popular.
"The band exploded onto the music scene with their debut album."
From Middle French *exploder*, from Latin *explodere* ('to drive off the stage with applause or noise'), from *ex-* ('out') + *plaudere* ('to clap'). The meaning shifted over time to encompass sudden, violent expansion.
The word 'explode' began appearing in English texts in the 17th century with its more modern meaning.
Memory tip
Think of a balloon popping: EXP-LOAD (load of air pushing outwards).
Word Origin
"to drive off the stage with applause or noise"