1. （使）爆炸；引爆
    If an object such as a bomb explodes or if someone or something explodes it, it bursts loudly and with great force, often causing damage or injury.

    e.g. They were clearing up when the second bomb exploded...
           他们正在清理时，第二颗炸弹爆炸了。
    e.g. A school bus was hit by gunfire which exploded the fuel tank.
           校车被炮火击中，引爆了油箱。

2. （感情）爆发；迸发
    If someone explodes, they express strong feelings suddenly and violently.

    e.g. Do you fear that you'll burst into tears or explode with anger in front of her?...
           你担心会在她面前放声大哭或是勃然大怒吗？
    e.g. 'What happened!' I exploded...
           “怎么了！”我发怒了。

3. 激增;骤增
    If something explodes, it increases suddenly and rapidly in number or intensity.

    e.g. The population explodes to 40,000 during the tourist season...
           旅游季节，人口激增至4万。
    e.g. Investment by Japanese firms has exploded.
           日本公司的投资已经开始激增。

4. 推翻（理论);破除（神话）
    If someone explodes a theory or myth, they prove that it is wrong or impossible.

    e.g. Electricity privatisation has exploded the myth of cheap nuclear power...
           电力私有化打破了关于廉价核能的神话。
    e.g. Such rumours have only recently been exploded.
           这类谣言直到最近才被戳穿。

5. 突发巨响;响声大作
    If something explodes, it makes a sudden very loud noise.

explode的反义词

    e.g. She heard laughter explode, then die.
           她听到有人爆笑了一阵，后来就没声音了。