explode

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♦ ex|plode /ɪkspl'oʊd/ (explodes exploding exploded)
1 [VERB] V, V n
If an object such as a bomb explodes or if someone or something explodes it, it bursts loudly and with great force, often causing damage or injury.
They were clearing up when the second bomb exploded...
A school bus was hit by gunfire which exploded the fuel tank.
2 [VERB] V with n, V with quote, V
If someone explodes, they express strong feelings suddenly and violently.
Do you fear that you'll burst into tears or explode with anger in front of her?...
`What happened!' I exploded...
George caught the look and decided that Bess had better leave before she exploded.
3 [VERB] V to n, V
If something explodes, it increases suddenly and rapidly in number or intensity.
The population explodes to 40,000 during the tourist season...
Investment by Japanese firms has exploded.
4 [VERB] V n
If someone explodes a theory or myth, they prove that it is wrong or impossible.
Electricity privatisation has exploded the myth of cheap nuclear power...

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