Word: Explode

Pronunciation

/ɪkˈspləʊd/

Definitions

• Verb: To burst suddenly and violently with a loud noise due to great internal pressure, heat, or chemical reaction. For example: “The fireworks exploded in the sky.”
  • figurative: To expand rapidly or increase greatly in number, size, or intensity. For example: “The population of the city exploded over the past decade.”
• Noun: The act of exploding or something that explodes. For example: “The explosion caused significant damage to the building.”

Phrases

• “Explode with anger” means to suddenly become very angry.
• “To go off like a bomb” is an idiomatic expression meaning to suddenly become very active, popular, or problematic, often unexpectedly.
• “Explode onto the scene” is used when referring to someone or something making a sudden and dramatic impact or entrance.

Example Sentences

• Verb (literal): “The pressure inside the boiler became too high and it exploded.”
• Verb (figurative): “Her career exploded after her first novel topped the bestseller list.”
• Noun: “The police were investigating the cause of the explosion.”

Synonyms

• Burst
• Detonate
• Blow up
• Disintegrate
• Erupt (in the sense of a sudden release of energy)
• Split (apart)
• Shatter
• Rock (informal, for an explosion)