explode

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

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Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Verb 1.2.1 Translations

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

First recorded around 1538, from the Latin verb explōdere meaning to "drive out or off by clapping". The meaning was originally theatrical, "to drive an actor off the stage by making noise," hence meaning to "to drive out" or "to reject". From ex- meaning "out" + plaudere meaning "to clap" or "to applaud". In English it used to mean to "drive out with violence and sudden noise" (from around 1660), and later meaning to "go off with a loud noise" (from around 1790).

The sense of "bursting with destructive force" is first recorded around 1882.

[edit] Verb

to explode (third-person singular simple present explodes, present participle exploding, simple past and past participle exploded)

1. (transitive) To create an explosion, usually resulting in the destruction of an intended target.

   The assassin exploded the car by means of a car bomb.

2. (transitive) To destroy violently or abruptly.

   They sought to explode the myth of...

3. (transitive) To create an exploded view.

   Explode the assembly drawing so that all the fasteners are visible.

4. (transitive, archaic) To disprove or debunk.
   • Burton, Robert, The Anatomy of Melancholy, II, 344

     Astrology is required by many famous physicians... doubted of, and exploded by others.

5. (intransitive) To blast, to blow up, to burst, to detonate, to go off.

   The bomb explodes.

[edit] Translations