GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Explode , v. i. [imp. & p. p. Exploded; p. pr. & vb. n. Exploding.] [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.]
   To become suddenly expanded into a great volume of gas or vapor; to burst violently into flame; as, gunpowder explodes.
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   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.
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   To burst forth with sudden violence and noise; as, at this, his wrath exploded.
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2.       
   Explode, v. t.
   To drive from the stage by noisy expressions of disapprobation; to hoot off; to drive away or reject noisily; as, to explode a play. [Obs.]
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   Him old and young
   Exploded, and seized with violent hands.
   Milton.
   
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   To bring into disrepute, and reject; to drive from notice and acceptance; as, to explode a scheme, fashion, or doctrine.
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   Old exploded contrivances of mercantile fraud.
   Burke.
   
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   To explode and exterminate dark atheism.
   Bently.
   
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   To cause to explode or burst noisily; to detonate; as, to explode powder by touching it with fire.
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   To drive out with violence and noise, as by powder.
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   But late the kindled powder did explode
   The massy ball and the brass tube unload.
   Blackmore.
   
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