[ex.plode] vb ex.plod.ed ; ex.plod.ing [L explodere to drive off the stage by clapping, fr. ex- + plaudere to clap] vt (ca. 1611) 1 archaic: to drive from the stage by noisy disapproval
2: to bring into disrepute or discred it "~ a theory"
3: to cause to explode or burst noisily "~ a bomb" ~ vi 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 ~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" -- ex.plod.er n