To explode means to burst apart suddenly and violently, usually with a loud noise. When fireworks explode in the sky, they break apart into brilliant sparks and colors. A balloon explodes when you blow too much air into it, and the rubber can't stretch any further.

Explosions happen when pressure builds up so much that something can't contain it anymore. A volcano explodes when pressure from hot magma underground becomes too intense. Scientists can make chemical reactions explode by mixing certain substances that release energy very quickly.

The word also describes sudden, dramatic increases or outbursts. A population can explode when it grows very rapidly, like rabbits multiplying in an area with no predators. Someone might explode with anger when they've been holding their temper and finally lose control. A runner might explode off the starting blocks at the beginning of a race, meaning they launch forward with sudden, powerful speed.

When you see the word explode, think about something that was contained or controlled suddenly breaking free with force and energy, whether that's a literal explosion or a metaphorical one, like an explosion of creativity or laughter.