1. (

• explode ,
• detonate ,
• blow_up ,
• set_off

) cause to burst with a violent release of energy; "We exploded the nuclear bomb" ;

2. (

• explode ,
• burst ,

) burst outward, usually with noise; "The champagne bottle exploded" ;

3. (

• explode

) show a violent emotional reaction; "The boss exploded when he heard of the resignation of the secretary" ;

4. (

• explode ,
• burst_forth ,
• break_loose

) be unleashed; emerge with violence or noise; "His anger exploded" ;

5. (

• explode

) destroy by exploding; "The enemy exploded the bridge" ;

6. (

• explode ,

) cause to burst as a result of air pressure; of stop consonants like /p/, /t/, and /k/ ;

7. (

• explode

) drive from the stage by noisy disapproval ;

8. (

• explode ,

) show (a theory or claim) to be baseless, or refute and make obsolete ;

9. (

• detonate ,
• explode ,
• blow_up ,

) burst and release energy as through a violent chemical or physical reaction; "the bomb detonated at noon"; "The Molotov cocktail exploded" ;

10. (

• explode ,
• irrupt

) increase rapidly and in an uncontrolled manner; "The population of India is exploding"; "The island's rodent population irrupted" ;