v.
Pronunciation: ik- ' spl ō d
Function: verb
Inflected Form: ex · plod · ed ; ex · plod · ing
Etymology: Latin explodere to drive off the stage by clapping, from ex- + plaudere to clap
Date: 1605
transitive verb
1 archaic : to drive from the stage by noisy disapproval
2 : to bring into disrepute or discredit < explode a theory>
3 : to cause to explode or burst noisily < explode a bomb>
intransitive verb
1 : to burst forth with sudden violence or noise from internal energy: as a : to undergo a rapid chemical or nuclear reaction with the production of noise, heat, and violent expansion of gases <dynamite explode s > b : to burst violently as a result of pressure from within
2 a : to give forth a sudden strong and noisy outburst of emotion < exploded in anger> b : to move with sudden speed and force < exploded from the starting gate>
3 : to increase rapidly <the population of the city exploded >
4 : to suggest an explosion (as in appearance or effect) <shrubs exploded with blossoms>
– ex · plod · er noun