Meaning & Definition
verb
to burst or break open suddenly and violently, often with a loud noise.
The firecracker will explode if you light the fuse.
to cause (something) to burst violently, either by an external force or internally.
They tried to explode the old building with dynamite.
to increase suddenly or dramatically.
The market for electric cars is expected to explode in the coming years.
to express strong emotions suddenly and intensely.
He tends to explode with anger when he feels cornered.
Etymology
Late Middle English: from Latin 'explodere', meaning 'to drive out by a hiss or clapping' (related to 'plodere', 'to clap').
Common Phrases and Expressions
explode with laughter:
to laugh uncontrollably
explode in popularity:
to become very popular very quickly
explode with rage:
to suddenly become very angry
Slang Meanings
to get very angry or upset
He exploded when he found out he had been lied to.
to become very successful or popular suddenly
Her career exploded after her first big hit.