Implode

medium

im-PLODE

verb

Definition

to collapse violently inward

Examples

When demand evaporated, the once-mighty firm imploded within a single quarter.
Engineers detonated charges so the stadium would implode neatly onto its own footprint.

Synonyms

collapsecave inbucklecrumple

Antonyms

explodeexpandburst outward

Categories

GRE Tip

Implode is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "collapse" or "cave in" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "explode".

Related GRE Words

Master implode and 1,000+ GRE words

Learn through stories, practice with real GRE questions, and never forget with spaced repetition.