implode
UK[ɪmˈpləʊd]US[ɪmˈploʊd]
v
to collapse or burst violently inwards.
v
to fail or end suddenly and completely, especially in a way that causes damage or ruin.
Morpheme Breakdown
im
plode
im
in
plode
burst
Etymology
the word 'implode' is a modern english formation, coined in the late 19th century as the logical opposite of the older word 'explode'. it is constructed from the latin prefix 'im-' (a variant of 'in-', meaning 'inward') and the root '-plode', extracted from 'explode'. the ultimate source is the latin verb 'plaudere', which meant 'to clap, strike, or beat', and by extension, to make a sudden, loud noise. the semantic journey is from the physical act of striking or clapping to the concept of a violent burst. thus, 'implode' literally means 'to burst inward', contrasting with 'explode' (to burst outward), a distinction that perfectly captures its modern physical and metaphorical meanings of inward collapse or sudden failure.
Analysis
Structure: im (in) + plode (burst)
- im: a latin prefix meaning 'in', 'into', or 'within'. it is an assimilated form of 'in-' used before words beginning with 'p', 'b', or 'm'.
- plode: derived from the latin verb 'plaudere', meaning 'to clap', 'to strike', or 'to burst (with noise)'. in this context, it carries the sense of a violent burst.
Examples
the vacuum caused the old television tube to implode with a loud pop.
if the company's risky strategy fails, its entire financial structure could implode.
the building was designed to implode neatly into its own footprint during the controlled demolition.