Definition of: explode

(ik·splōd′) v. ·plod·ed, ·plod·ing v.t.
1. To cause to expand violently or pass suddenly from a solid to a gaseous state: to explode gunpowder.
2. To cause to burst or blow up violently and with noise: to explode a bomb.
3. To disprove utterly; refute: to explode a theory.
4. Phonet. To pronounce with an explosion.
5. Obs. To drive from the stage, as an actor.
—v.i.
6. To be exploded, as gunpowder.
7. To burst into pieces or fragments; blow up.
8. To make a noise as if bursting: to explode with laughter. [<L explodere, orig. drive off the stage, hiss <ex- out + plaudere clap]
—ex·plod′er noun