| explode | 1. To become suddenly expanded into a great volume of gas or vapor; to burst violently into flame; as gunpowder explodes. 2. To burst with force and a loud report; to detonate, as a shell filled with powder or the like material, or as a boiler from too great pressure of steam. 3. To burst forth with sudden violence and noise; as, at this, his wrath exploded. Origin: L. Explodere, explosum, to drive out, drive out a player by clapping; ex out+plaudere, plodere, to clap, strike, applaud: cf. OF. Exploder. See Plausible. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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