explode
gb/ɪksplˈoʊd/ us/ɪksplˈoʊd/
B1
English
~ 1800
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
Burst apart with force and noise
To break apart suddenly and loudly, often because of pressure inside.
Usage pattern:
to explode [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'explode' with 'expand'; 'expand' means to become bigger without breaking apart.
Synonyms
detonate (More formal and often used in technical or military contexts for setting off explosives intentionally.)
Antonyms
implode (Means to collapse inward rather than burst outward.)
Collocations
explode a bomb
|explode violently
|explode on impact
|explode into flames
Themes
science
|safety
|violence
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The gas tank exploded after the crash.
- The fireworks exploded in the night sky.
- If you heat the can too much, it could explode.
- The old mine exploded when workers accidentally hit a detonator.
Learner examples
- The balloon exploded when I popped it.
- The bomb exploded in the city.
- The can exploded because it was too hot.
- Fireworks exploded over the river.
Verb
B2
action
2
Increase rapidly and dramatically
To become much bigger or more in number very fast.
Usage pattern:
[something] explodes in [size/number]
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'explode' for small increases; it should be used only for very large and sudden growth.
Synonyms
skyrocket (Informal; emphasizes a steep upward trend.)
Antonyms
plummet (Means to fall or decrease very quickly.)
Collocations
explode in popularity
|sales exploded
|population exploded
|prices exploded
Themes
business
|statistics
|technology
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The city's population exploded after the new factory opened.
- Sales of electric cars have exploded in recent years.
- Interest in the app exploded overnight.
Learner examples
- The price of bread exploded last year.
- Her business exploded after she was on TV.
- The number of tourists exploded in summer.
Verb
B2
action
3
Suddenly express strong emotion
To suddenly show strong feelings by speaking or acting loudly.
Usage pattern:
to explode with [emotion]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse this with physical explosions; context should make it emotional, not physical.
Synonyms
erupt (Often used metaphorically for emotions; slightly softer than 'explode'.)
Antonyms
suppress (Means to hold back or prevent expression of emotion.)
Collocations
explode with anger
|explode with laughter
|explode in rage
Themes
emotions
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She exploded with anger when she heard the news.
- The crowd exploded with joy when their team scored.
- He exploded into laughter at the joke.
Learner examples
- He exploded with anger at the mistake.
- The children exploded with joy at the surprise.
- She exploded into laughter when she saw the photo.
Verb
technical
C1
action
4
Break down data or arguments
To separate information into smaller pieces so you can look at them closely or show they are wrong.
Synonyms
debunk (Focuses on proving something false rather than just breaking it down.)
Antonyms
compile (In computing, means to gather together into one unit rather than break apart.)
Collocations
explode an array
|explode a myth
Themes
technology
|science
|education
Examples
- The program explodes the string into individual words.
- The scientist exploded the theory by showing new evidence.
- You can use this function to explode an array into separate values.
Learner examples
- He exploded the idea by showing facts.
- The program explodes text into words.
- She exploded the myth about healthy sugar.
Grammar
Dictionary form
explode
IPA
GB/ɪksplˈoʊd/
US/ɪksplˈoʊd/
Syllables & stress
ex - plode (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (plode)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: explode
- 3rd Person Singular: explodes
- Present Participle: exploding
- Past: exploded
Word family
Forms
explodes
verb
exploding
verb
exploded
verb
Core family
Related words
implode
verb
implosion
noun
Advanced or less common
explosiveness
noun
Expressions
explode a myth
1/ɪksplˈoʊd ə mˈɪθ/
fixed phrase
Prove a belief false
To show that an idea many people believe is not true.
Examples
- The scientist exploded the myth that goldfish have a three-second memory.
- This book explodes the myth that you need money to be happy.
explode in popularity
1/ɪksplˈoʊd ˈɪn pˌɑpjəlˈɛɹəti/
fixed phrase
Become popular very quickly
To become liked by many people in a short time.
Examples
- The video game exploded in popularity after its release.
- Her blog exploded in popularity thanks to social media.
explode with laughter
1/ɪksplˈoʊd wˈɪθ lˈæftɚ/
fixed phrase
Laugh suddenly and loudly
To start laughing very loud and suddenly because something is funny.
Examples
- The audience exploded with laughter at the comedian's joke.
- She looked so funny that we all exploded with laughter.