burst or shatter violently and noisily as a result of rapid combustion, excessive internal pressure, or other process
an ammunition lorry exploded with a roar
Britain had not yet exploded her first nuclear weapon
the USSR had not yet exploded its first nuclear weapon
(of a violent emotion or a situation) arise or develop suddenly
tension which could explode into violence at any time
increase suddenly in size, number, or extent
the use of this drug exploded in the nineties