Definition

1. Verb:
   • To collapse or burst violently inward: "implode" describes the action of something collapsing or bursting inward with great force, often due to external pressure or a vacuum.
   • To fail or break down suddenly and completely: In a figurative sense, "implode" can describe a sudden and total failure or collapse of a system, organization, or situation.

Examples of Usage

• Verb:
  • The submarine hull imploded under the immense pressure of the deep ocean.
  • When the vacuum was created, the old metal canister imploded.
  • After the scandal, the company's reputation imploded.
  • His carefully constructed argument imploded when faced with contradictory evidence.

Advanced Usage

• "to implode on itself": to collapse inward toward its own center.
  • The dying star began to implode on itself, forming a black hole.
• Used figuratively to describe emotional or psychological collapse.
  • Under the stress, he felt like he was going to implode.

Variants and Related Words

• Implosion (n): The act, process, or result of imploding.
  • The implosion of the building was controlled and spectacular.
• Implosive (adj): Relating to or characterized by implosion.
  • The researchers studied the implosive force.

Synonyms

• Collapse inward
• Cave in
• Burst inward
• Founder (figurative)

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "implode" is not commonly used with particles to form standard phrasal verbs. Its meaning is typically contained within the single verb.)

Related Idioms

• "To implode under pressure": to fail or collapse completely when subjected to stress.
  • The team was leading, but they imploded under pressure in the final minutes of the game.

Verb

1. burst inward
   • The bottle imploded