implode

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "implode" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something collapsing inwardly or failing dramatically. Example: "The building began to implode under the pressure of the explosion." Alternative expressions include "collapse," "cave in," and "fall apart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At his death I think that the party is going to implode and this means that we must wait and hope".

The Guardian

Most likely, if you get into a relationship with your tutor or lecturer, it will implode at some point, and you'll have to endure the awkwardness and pain of forced contact with an ex who still holds the position of power over you that was so attractive in the first place.

The Guardian

Even if Clinton's nascent campaign continues to implode, O'Malley is still a pronounced underdog – but he has faced tough odds before.

The Guardian

The shows implode around Ben Miller as a newlywed who, when staying with his wife's family, suffers every possible social embarrassment: from killing pets and relatives to almost accidentally having sex with his mother in law.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The years that followed the filming of this clip would not be happy ones for Kirkland, and her career would implode in a nightmare of drugs and self-harm, unsparingly detailed here.

The Guardian

"Most people outside Bournemouth would have expected us to implode by now," Mostyn says.

The Guardian - Sport

By this narrative, Singapore's success is but an unrepeatable geographic and historical anomaly, likely to implode, and not worth the limitations on civil liberties.A road less travelled is to apply Lee Kuan Yew's legacy internationally.

The Economist

Once the dark energy was discovered and discovered to be positive it was shown that it will continue to expand.The equations as we know them now do not seem to permit the possibility that it will implode.

The Economist

Before the dark energy was discovered there were three possibilities: that it would implode, that it would continue to expand or that it would expand at an ever decreasing rate.

The Economist

The Kremlin's hope is that Ukraine will simply implode under the weight of its economic problems.But as Mr Kerry has learned, Mr Putin will not leave Ukraine alone.

The Economist

If so, how much can it expand and will it eventually implode?No, no, no.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "implode" when you want to convey a sense of forceful, internal collapse. It's especially effective when describing the failure of systems, organizations, or abstract concepts.

Common error

Don't use "implode" when you mean "explode". "Implode" means to collapse inward, while "explode" means to burst outward. The opposite directions of these actions are important.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "implode" is as an intransitive verb, describing an action performed by a subject on itself, resulting in an inward collapse. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe buildings, political entities, and abstract concepts undergoing sudden failure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Ludwig’s analysis, consistent with the provided examples and the confirmation from Ludwig AI, shows that the verb "implode" is frequently used to describe a sudden and forceful collapse inward. Primarily found in news and media contexts, "implode" suggests a dramatic failure, often stemming from internal pressures. When writing, remember that "implode" is the opposite of "explode" and is more specific than "collapse", implying an inward direction. Consider alternatives like “collapse inward”, “fall apart” or “cave in” to vary your writing while maintaining clarity. Also, remember the correct construction to avoid confusing it with an adjective or a noun.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

collapse inward

Emphasizes the direction of the collapse, focusing on the inward movement.

cave in

Similar to "collapse", but often used in the context of physical structures.

fall apart

A more general term for disintegration, applicable to a wider range of contexts.

self-destruct

Highlights the internal causes of the collapse, suggesting an inherent flaw.

break down

Suggests a failure of function or structure, often gradual rather than sudden.

disintegrate

Emphasizes the breaking apart into smaller components.

crumble

Implies a slow, progressive decay leading to collapse.

shatter

Suggests a sudden and violent breaking into pieces.

go under

An idiomatic expression for failing, especially in a business context.

vanish

Indicates a disappearance or cessation of existence, which might be a consequence of the collapse.

FAQs

How to use "implode" in a sentence?

The word "implode" describes a forceful collapse inward. For example, "The building began to implode during the controlled demolition", or "The political coalition started to implode after the scandal".

What can I say instead of "implode"?

You can use alternatives like "collapse inward", "fall apart", or "cave in" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "implode" or "explode"?

"Implode" and "explode" have opposite meanings. "Implode" means to collapse inward, while "explode" means to burst outward. The correct word depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "implode" and "collapse"?

"Collapse" is a more general term for falling down or giving way. "Implode" implies a specific type of collapse, one that is forceful and directed inward. While a building can simply "collapse", it would "implode" during a demolition.