Properly, to burst forth, as sound; to utter a report with sudden violence. Hence, to burst and expand with force and a violent report, as an elastic fluid. We say, gun powder explodes, on the application of fire; a volcano explodes; a meteor explodes.

To decry or reject with noise; to express disapprobation of, with noise or marks of contempt; as, to explode a play on the state. Hence,

To reject with any marks of disapprobation or disdain; to treat with contempt, and drive from notice; to drive into disrepute; or in general, to condemn; to reject; to cry down. Astrology is now exploded.

To drive out with violence and noise. The kindled powder exploded the ball.