explode
UK: ɪkˈspləʊd | US: ɪkˈsploʊd
vi. to burst or shatter violently and noisily
vt. to cause something to burst violently
vi. (figuratively) to express sudden strong emotion (e.g., anger, laughter)
vi. (of a population or statistic) to increase rapidly
explode = ex<out> + plode<clap, burst>
- ex: Latin prefix meaning "out" or "away."
- plode: Derived from Latin plaudere ("to clap, strike"), later evolving to imply violent bursting.
Etymology Origin:
Originally, explode meant "to drive off the stage by clapping" (from Latin explodere, combining ex- "out" + plaudere "to clap"). Over time, the sense shifted to "reject with noise," then to "burst violently" (18th century), influenced by the sound of sudden combustion. The figurative use (e.g., "explode with laughter") retains the idea of sudden, forceful release.
The fireworks will explode at midnight.
The scientists warned that the pressure could make the container explode.
He exploded with rage when he heard the news.
The city’s population has exploded in the past decade.
The comedian’s joke made the audience explode into laughter.