1burst or shatter violently and noisily as a result of rapid combustion, excessive internal pressure, or other process:an ammunition lorry exploded with a roar [with object]:Britain had not yet exploded her first nuclear weapon technical undergo a violent expansion in which much energy is released as a shock wave:lead ensures that petrol burns rather than explodes (as adjective
exploded)
(of a diagram) showing the components of a mechanism in the normal relative positions but slightly separated from each other: an exploded diagram of the rifle’s parts
2(of a violent emotion or a situation) arise or develop suddenly:tension which could explode into violence at any time (of a person) suddenly give expression to violent emotion, especially anger:he exploded with rage [with direct speech]:‘This is ludicrous!’ she exploded (
explode into)
suddenly begin to move or start a new activity:workers exploded into action as trade revived
3increase suddenly in size, number, or extent:the use of this drug exploded in the nineties
4 [with object] show (a belief or theory) to be false or unfounded:the myths that link smoking with glamour need to be exploded
