explode

Meanings

• cause to burst with a violent release of energy
  • "We exploded the nuclear bomb"
• burst outward, usually with noise
  • "The champagne bottle exploded"
• show a violent emotional reaction
  • "The boss exploded when he heard of the resignation of the secretary"
• be unleashed; emerge with violence or noise
  • "His anger exploded"
• destroy by exploding
  • "The enemy exploded the bridge"
• cause to burst as a result of air pressure; of stop consonants like /p/, /t/, and /k/
• drive from the stage by noisy disapproval
• show (a theory or claim) to be baseless, or refute and make obsolete
• burst and release energy as through a violent chemical or physical reaction
  • "The Molotov cocktail exploded"
• increase rapidly and in an uncontrolled manner

Synonyms

blow up, break loose, burst, burst forth, detonate, irrupt, set off