explode
explode — verb
1. to burst apart suddenly with a loud noise and great force, scattering pieces out
to burst apart suddenly with a loud noise and great force, scattering pieces outward, or to make something burst apart in this way
The army exploded the old bomb in a large empty field far from the town.
transitive: explode + bomb/device as object
A small gas leak made the whole kitchen explode, shattering every window.
intransitive: describes what bursts open
The mechanic warned that an overheated engine might explode if driven too long.
Firefighters evacuated the houses before the fuel storage tanks could explode.
Astrid exploded the firework with a long stick to keep a safe distance.
- implode
to burst inward instead of outward
文法句型
explode (intransitive: the thing bursts)
explode + object (transitive: cause to burst)
用法筆記
Intransitive use describes what the thing itself does (The bomb exploded); transitive use describes who or what causes it (The army exploded the bomb). Can refer to bombs, gas, engines, fireworks, volcanoes, and other things that burst from internal force.
常見錯誤
2. to show a strong feeling, especially anger or excitement, in a loud and sudden w
to show a strong feeling, especially anger or excitement, in a loud and sudden way that others notice
When Reema saw the broken window, she exploded with anger at the children.
explode with + emotion, at + person
Hugo exploded at his teammate after the mistake cost them the match.
explode at + person (target of anger)
The crowd exploded in cheers when the singer walked onto the stage.
My father rarely explodes, but when he does, everyone in the house hears him.
Putri exploded with laughter when she saw the kitten fall into the laundry basket.
- erupt
very similar; often used for anger or violence
- lose one's temper
only for anger, not for laughter or cheers
- burst out
informal; common with laughter or crying
- stay calm
opposite of losing emotional control
文法句型
explode at + person
explode with/in + emotion
explode into + action
用法筆記
Typically followed by at to show the target of anger, by with to name the emotion (with anger, with laughter), or by in followed by a noun (in cheers, in fury). The subject is usually a person or a group (crowd, audience).
常見錯誤
3. to grow or rise at an extremely fast and often uncontrolled rate, especially in
to grow or rise at an extremely fast and often uncontrolled rate, especially in number, size, or amount
The number of smartphone users exploded in the last ten years.
subject: number of + noun + explode
House prices in the city exploded after the new station was built.
subject: prices + explode
The population of the town exploded when the big factory opened nearby.
Online shopping has exploded in popularity since the pandemic began.
Demand for electric cars exploded after the government offered tax benefits.
文法句型
explode + adverb (population/sales/demand + explode)
explode + in/by + amount
用法筆記
Common subjects include population, prices, demand, sales, and number. The verb is always intransitive in this sense — you cannot use it transitively (*The company exploded its sales). Often followed by in (exploded in popularity) or by (exploded by 50%).
常見錯誤
4. to prove that a widely held belief, theory, or idea is false or incorrect
to prove that a widely held belief, theory, or idea is false or incorrect
The latest study has exploded the old belief that eggs are bad for the heart.
object: belief + that-clause
The journalist wrote a report that exploded several common ideas about the disease.
New evidence has exploded the theory that sugary drinks directly cause weight gain.
Her careful research exploded the popular idea that cold weather makes you sick.
Eitan's investigation exploded the company's claim that they paid all workers fairly.
文法句型
explode + noun phrase (myth/belief/theory/idea/claim)
用法筆記
The object must be an abstract concept — a belief, myth, theory, idea, or claim — not a person or physical object. Common in journalism, academic writing, and investigative reports.