implode
C1Formal, Technical, Journalistic
Definition
Meaning
To collapse or burst violently inwards; to fail or break down suddenly and completely from internal pressure or failure.
To suffer a sudden, complete failure or breakdown, especially of an organization, system, or emotional state; to collapse inwardly under external pressure.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb emphasizes a sudden, inward collapse due to pressure difference or internal weakness, contrasting with 'explode.' It is often used metaphorically for systems, plans, or emotional states. In computing, it can mean to combine array elements into a string.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. American English may use the metaphorical sense slightly more in business/political contexts.
Connotations
Both varieties share connotations of dramatic, often catastrophic, inward failure.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties; slightly higher in American media discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] implodes.[Subject] implodes under [pressure/strain].[Subject] causes [object] to implode.It imploded into [result/state].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A house of cards implodes.”
- “To watch one's world implode.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Describing a company or market collapsing due to internal flaws: 'The merger deal imploded after due diligence.'
Academic
Describing theoretical models or systems failing: 'The hypothesis imploded under scrutiny of the new data.'
Everyday
Describing personal plans or situations failing dramatically: 'Our holiday plans imploded when the flights were cancelled.'
Technical
Physics/engineering: describing structural collapse or stellar collapse; computing: the `implode()` function.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The old chimney was set to implode for safety reasons.
- The football club's season imploded after the manager resigned.
- Her confidence seemed to implode during the intense interview.
American English
- The submersible hull could implode under extreme depth pressure.
- His political campaign imploded after the scandal broke.
- The startup imploded due to cash flow problems.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverb form 'implodedly' in use.)
American English
- (No standard adverb form 'implodedly' in use.)
adjective
British English
- The imploded remains of the building were cleared quickly.
- An imploded star is a fascinating astronomical object.
American English
- The imploded structure was a hazard. (Note: 'imploded' as participle adjective is rare.)
- They studied the imploded debris field.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The balloon will implode if you suck the air out.
- The building was demolished and made to implode.
- The company's ambitious expansion plans imploded when the market changed.
- Without internal support, the government could implode.
- The superstar's carefully crafted public image imploded following the leaked recordings.
- Geopolitical tensions caused the fragile alliance to implode spectacularly.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'IMplode' as 'IMward explode' – the pressure pushes IN, not OUT.
Conceptual Metaphor
FAILURE IS A SUDDEN INWARD COLLAPSE (e.g., a building, a star). EMOTIONAL DISTRESS IS AN IMPLOSION.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'взорваться' (explode). The correct physical equivalent is 'схлопнуться', 'обрушиться внутрь'. Metaphorically, use 'рухнуть', 'потерпеть крах', 'развалиться изнутри'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'implode' to mean a noisy, outward explosion. Incorrect: 'The gas tank imploded with a loud bang.' (Use 'exploded').
- Overusing the metaphorical sense for minor failures.
Practice
Quiz
In which scenario is 'implode' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Explode means to burst outward violently. Implode means to collapse or burst inward violently.
Yes, metaphorically. E.g., 'He imploded under the pressure,' meaning he collapsed emotionally or mentally.
It's less common than 'explode' and is typically used in more formal, technical, or dramatic contexts (news, science, business).
No, it almost always describes a negative, destructive event, either physically or metaphorically.