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| ex·plode [ ik splṓd ] (past and past participle ex·plod·ed, present participle ex·plod·ing, 3rd person present singular ex·plodes) |
verb |
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| Definition: |
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1. transitive and intransitive verb blow up or burst: to blow up or burst with a sudden release of chemical or nuclear energy and a loud noise, or cause something to blow up or burst in this way
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2. transitive and intransitive verb burst or shatter: to burst like a bomb or shatter into many pieces, or cause something to do this
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3. intransitive verb express emotion: to give vent to an emotion, suddenly or violently
  He exploded into roars of laughter.
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4. intransitive verb increase dramatically: to increase suddenly in extent or severity in an uncontrolled way
The growth rate in home ownership exploded.
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5. intransitive verb produce vivid display: to produce a vivid, often sudden display of light or color
Her late paintings explode with intense reds and oranges.
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6. intransitive verb appear suddenly: to appear, start, or move suddenly and forcefully
The band exploded onto the pop scene late last year.
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7. transitive verb disprove theory: to show that a belief or theory is completely wrong
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| [Mid-16th century. < Latin explodere "drive off the stage by clapping" < plaudere "to clap"] |
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| ex·plod·er noun |
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