implode

verb

im·​plode im-ˈplōd How to pronounce implode (audio)
imploded; imploding

intransitive verb

1
a
: to burst inward
a blow causing a vacuum tube to implode
b
: to undergo violent compression
massive stars which implode
2
: to collapse inward as if from external pressure
also : to become greatly reduced as if from collapsing
3
: to break down or fall apart from within : self-destruct
the firm … imploded from greed and factionalismJan Hoffman

transitive verb

: to cause to implode

Examples of implode in a Sentence

a controlled demolition during which the entire building imploded in a matter of seconds
Recent Examples on the Web But their relationship imploded shortly after the legendary quarterback began flip-flopping on his retirement plans. Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2024 On Wednesday, a lawyer for the Eagles co-founder expressed dismay as the criminal case against rare-books dealer Glenn Horowitz imploded following the disclosure of 6,000 pages of material by Henley's legal team. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 6 Mar. 2024 Managing the challenging environment is no small task for the young physician, who is seeking a fresh start in the big city after her private life implodes in Munich. Ed Meza, Variety, 17 Jan. 2024 In late 2022, Ye began a public stream of antisemitic invective that, for a while, effectively imploded his career, leading to the dissolution of his partnerships with Adidas and the Gap. Jon Caramanica, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2024 In the months after the beating, Renner family members were arrested, their residences were searched and their businesses imploded. The Arizona Republic, 27 Feb. 2024 Perspective Carolyn Hax: Wedding shower implodes over guest-list limitations Perspective Carolyn Hax: Irked by girlfriend’s iTunes account with ex-husband’s last na... Perspective Carolyn Hax: Mother-in-law damages ‘very dear to me’ cookbook. Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 15 Feb. 2024 Jimmy Cayne, the former CEO of Bear Stearns and a talented bridge player, was playing at tournaments in March 2008 while the investment bank was imploding, Fortune reported. Luisa Beltran, Fortune, 12 Jan. 2024 Then the peace process imploded as Palestinians launched the second intifada that fall. Aluf Benn, Foreign Affairs, 7 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'implode.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

in- entry 2 + -plode (as in explode)

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of implode was in 1881

Dictionary Entries Near implode

Cite this Entry

“Implode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/implode. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

implode

verb
im·​plode im-ˈplōd How to pronounce implode (audio)
imploded; imploding
: to burst inward

More from Merriam-Webster on implode

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