Past tense of explode, meaning to burst forth with sudden violence or expand rapidly with great force. Can refer to literal explosions or metaphorical sudden increases or outbursts.
From Latin explodere, literally meaning 'to drive off by clapping', from ex- 'out' and plaudere 'to clap'. Originally meant to reject an actor from the stage, later extended to violent bursting in the 16th century.
The word 'exploded' has a theatrical origin - Roman audiences would literally clap actors off stage when they performed poorly, which was called 'exploding' them. This connection between rejection and violent expansion reflects how sudden force can both destroy and create dramatic change.
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