to expand with force and noise because of rapid chemical change or decomposition, as gunpowder or nitroglycerine ( opposed to implode ).

to burst, fly into pieces, or break up violently with a loud report, as a boiler from excessive pressure of steam.

to burst forth violently or emotionally, esp. with noise, laughter, violent speech, etc.

He exploded with rage when contradicted.

Phonetics . (of plosives) to terminate the occlusive phase with a plosion. Compare implode ( def. 2 ) .

Golf . to play an explosion shot on a golf ball.

to cause (gunpowder, a boiler, etc.) to explode.

to cause to be rejected; destroy the repute of; discredit or disprove

to explode a theory.

Phonetics . to end with plosion.

Golf . to play an explosion shot on (a golf ball).

Obsolete . to drive (a player, play, etc.) from the stage by loud expressions of disapprobation.

verb

implode , prove

verb

backfire , blast , blaze , blow to kingdom come , break out , burst , collapse , convulse , detonate , discharge , erupt , flame up , flare up , fracture , jet , kablooey , let go , mushroom * , rupture , set off , shatter , shiver , split , thundernotes:explode is to blow up from a confined area outwards; implode means blow inwards , as a lightbulb does when it burns out , belie , confute , debunk , deflate , discard , disprove , invalidate , puncture , refute , repudiate , shoot down * , shoot full of holesnotes:explode is to blow up from a confined area outwards; implode means blow inwards , blow , fire , fulminate , go off , touch off , pop , flare , blow up , boil over , bristle , burn , foam , fume , rage , seethe , mushroom , snowball , break , detonize , dynamite , flash , spring , thunder , torpedo