verb

explode

to explode, to burst, to blow up

The bomb could explode at any moment.

The bomb could explode at any moment.

The population exploded in the last decade.

The population exploded in the last decade.

He exploded with anger.

He exploded with anger.

((sth.)) to explode The firework exploded.

((with sth.)) to explode with an emotion She exploded with laughter.

Synonyms: burst, detonate, blow up; Antonyms: implode

From Latin 'explodere', meaning 'to drive out by clapping'. 'ex-' (out) + 'plaudere' (to clap, applaud). The meaning shifted to bursting with a loud noise.

Think of an 'EXiting apPLAUSE' that is so loud it sounds like an explosion.

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