# exploded

/ɪksˈpɫoʊdəd/ (US) · /ɛksplˈəʊdɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/exploded
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. burst apart

verb · CEFR B1

burst apart suddenly and violently with a loud noise.

For teachers: the past tense of explode, indicating a sudden and violent release of energy, typically resulting in the destruction of the object.

- The old boiler exploded after the pressure became too high.
- The improvised device exploded with such force that it shattered windows in the adjacent buildings and sent debris flying across the square.

### 2. increased quickly

verb · CEFR B2

increased very fast in number, size, or popularity.

For teachers: underwent a sudden and rapid expansion or increase in magnitude.

- The city's population exploded during the industrial revolution.
- Demand for renewable energy solutions exploded following the implementation of the new carbon tax, catching many traditional suppliers off guard.

### 3. destroyed by a bomb

adjective · CEFR B1

describes something that has been blown up or destroyed by a blast.

For teachers: having been subjected to a detonation or internal pressure resulting in physical destruction.

- The soldiers found the remains of an exploded vehicle on the road.
- The forensic team carefully examined the fragments of the exploded canister to determine the chemical composition of the propellant.

### 4. shown in parts

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

shown in a diagram where the parts are separated so you can see how they fit together.

For teachers: represented in a diagram with components separated but positioned to show their relationship to the whole.

- The manual includes an exploded view of the engine to help with repairs.
- The technical documentation provided an exploded diagram of the turbine, allowing the engineers to identify the specific seal that required replacement.

Usage: Almost exclusively used in the phrase 'exploded view' or 'exploded diagram'.

## Examples

- The old boiler exploded after the pressure got too high.
- The city's population exploded after the new tech headquarters opened, leading to a massive housing shortage.
- While the primary charge exploded as intended, the secondary mechanism failed to ignite, leaving the demolition team to reassess the structural integrity of the remaining tower.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.