explode

ex|plode [ıkˈspləud US -ˈsploud] v

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

1¦(burst)¦

2¦(increase suddenly)¦

3¦(strong feelings)¦

4¦(become dangerous)¦

5 explode the myth

6¦(make a loud noise)¦

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

[Date: 1500-1600; : Latin; Origin: explodere 'to drive off the stage by clapping', from plaudere 'to clap']

1.) ¦(BURST)¦ [I and T]

to burst, or to make something burst, into small pieces, usually with a loud noise and in a way that causes damage

→↑explosion

▪ The device was thrown at an army patrol but failed to explode.

▪ Far sooner than anyone thought possible, the Russians exploded an atomic bomb.

2.) ¦(INCREASE SUDDENLY)¦ [I]

to suddenly increase greatly in number, amount, or degree

= ↑rocket

→↑explosion

▪ Florida's population exploded after World War II.

3.) ¦(STRONG FEELINGS)¦ [I]

to suddenly express strong feelings such as anger

→↑explosion

▪ Paul exploded. 'What has it got to do with you?' he yelled.

explode with

▪ She exploded with grief and anger.

▪ He told a joke which made Hank explode with laughter.

explode into

▪ He exploded into a screaming, kicking rage.

4.) ¦(BECOME DANGEROUS)¦ [I]

if a situation explodes, it is suddenly no longer controlled, and is often violent

= ↑blow up

▪ Riots may explode at any time.

explode into

▪ The continued tension could explode into more violence.

5.) explode the myth

to prove that something that is believed by many people is actually wrong or not true

▪ The programme sets out to explode the myth that some delicate tropical fish are impossible to keep.

6.) ¦(MAKE A LOUD NOISE)¦ [I]

to make a very loud noise

→↑explosion

▪ A clap of thunder exploded overhead.