explode

Pronunciation key ( iks-plōd′ ) ( ik-splōd′ )

ex•plode

v.t. [EXPLODED (-id), EXPLODING, EXPLODES]

[Obs. orig., to drive off a stage by unrestrained hooting and general dissatisfaction; L. explodere < ex-, off + plaudere, to applaud].

1. To discredit; demonstrating falsehood or show as unreliable; cause to become rejected; expose as false: such as The theory was exploded.
2. To rapidly burst with a loud noise; violently blow up; detonate.
3. A liberation of mechanical, chemical or nuclear energy in an explosion possibly due to internal pressure. Cause chemicals to rapidly and violently change from a solid or liquid to a quickly expanding gas that may be flammable.

v.i.

1. To become exploded; to loudly and violently burst.
2. To loudly break forth such as, He exploded with rage.

References

Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955

The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition ©1985