WordGarden.ioimplode
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪmplˈəʊd/
US
- /ˌɪmˈploʊd/
Meanings
Verb
to collapse or burst inward under pressure
to fail suddenly because of internal problems
to collapse emotionally or mentally under stress
Beyond the definition
Imagine a balloon that doesn't pop outward, but instead collapses sharply inward. That's an implosion. While we often think of explosions pushing things out, to implode means to burst or collapse inward. It can describe real things like buildings being demolished; carefully planned implosions are used to bring them down safely. It can also describe something less physical, like a business that suddenly fails from within. A negotiation might "implode" if people lose trust and the talks fall apart.
Think of it as the opposite of an explosion: instead of flying outward, everything caves in toward the center. It's dramatic, often destructive, and centered on inward collapse.
To implode means to collapse or burst violently inwards. While "explode" suggests outward force, "implode" describes a forceful contraction—a sudden and catastrophic inward rush.
Originally used in physics to describe the inward collapse of a vacuum tube, the word has broadened its meaning over time. You might hear about buildings being intentionally imploded using explosives strategically placed to cause an inward collapse—this is often done for demolition, as it's safer than traditional methods. "The old factory was carefully imploded yesterday."
However, "implode" isn't limited to physical structures. It can also describe the sudden and dramatic failure of something abstract. A political campaign might implode due to scandal, a relationship could implode from unresolved conflict, or a company's reputation might implode after a series of bad decisions. In these cases, "implode" suggests a rapid and complete breakdown from within, often caused by internal pressures or failures.
"After years of steady growth, the tech startup suddenly imploded when its founder was accused of fraud." Or, "Their marriage imploded under the weight of constant arguments."
So, whether it's a building crumbling inwards or a system collapsing from within, to implode is to experience a forceful and dramatic contraction—a collapse driven by internal forces.
Examples
- 1
Controlled demolition
Engineers timed the blast so the old stadium would implode without damaging nearby buildings.
- 2
Business deal
The deal imploded at the last minute when one side changed the terms.
- 3
Sports team
After the coach resigned, the team quickly imploded.
- 4
Relationship pressure
Their marriage began to implode under the strain of debt.
- Patternimplode under the strain of + pressure
start to fail because of that pressure
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- implodeverb
Forms
- implodedpast tenseverb
- imploding-ing formverb
- implodesverb