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Feb 10, 2010
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ex•plode



Pronunciation: (ik-splōd'), [key]
—v., -plod•ed, -plod•ing.

—v.i.
1. to expand with force and noise because of rapid chemical change or decomposition, as gunpowder or nitroglycerine (opposed to implode).
2. to burst, fly into pieces, or break up violently with a loud report, as a boiler from excessive pressure of steam.
3. to burst forth violently or emotionally, esp. with noise, laughter, violent speech, etc.: He exploded with rage when contradicted.
4. Phonet.(of plosives) to terminate the occlusive phase with a plosion. Cf. implode (def. 2).
5. Golf.to play an explosion shot on a golf ball.

—v.t.
1. to cause (gunpowder, a boiler, etc.) to explode.
2. to cause to be rejected; destroy the repute of; discredit or disprove: to explode a theory.
3. Phonet.to end with plosion.
4. Golf.to play an explosion shot on (a golf ball).
5. Obs.to drive (a player, play, etc.) from the stage by loud expressions of disapprobation.

Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.

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