Explode
/ɪkˈspləʊd/noun
To burst or shatter violently and noisily, often with a sudden release of energy.
Did you know?The word 'explode' comes from the Latin for 'to drive out with force', hinting at a primal release of energy, as if something trapped is desperately seeking freedom.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
explodere
“to drive out, to hiss off (a performer), to burst forth.”
Old French
Old French
exploder
“to burst forth or break out.”
16th Century
English
explode
“to burst with a loud noise; to break apart violently.”
Modern English
English
explode
“to undergo a rapid chemical reaction that produces gas and heat, causing a violent expansion.”