Word
implode
Phoneticsim·plode, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪmˈpɫoʊd/
UK/ɪmplˈəʊd/
Definition
v. to collapse or fall in on itself because of pressure or failure. It can also describe a group or organization that fails completely from within.
v. to collapse or fall in on itself as a result of internal pressure or structural failure. Often used metaphorically to describe the total internal collapse of an organization or system.
Examples
“The old building began to implode after the foundation failed.”
“The company was on the verge of imploding after the CEO resigned and the board lost its funding.”
“While the physical structure was designed to withstand high winds, the internal pressure from the failed cooling system eventually caused the entire facility to implode.”
Examples
simple
“The old building began to implode after the foundation failed.”
contextual
“The company was on the verge of imploding after the CEO resigned and the board lost its funding.”
complex
“While the physical structure was designed to withstand high winds, the internal pressure from the failed cooling system eventually caused the entire facility to implode.”
Real-World Examples
“Soon, the dam will break, and the economy will implode, causing, unfortunately, great pain for Americans for many many years,” the IRGC said.” “A tired parent is trying to prepare dinner and clean up the kitchen before their children’s evening routine implodes.” Etymology
Back-formation from implosion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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