implode

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im·plode / imˈplōd/ • v. collapse or cause to collapse violently inward: [intr.] the windows on both sides of the room had imploded | [tr.] these forces would implode the pellet to a density 100 times higher than that of lead. ∎  [intr.] fig. suffer sudden economic or political collapse: can any amount of aid save the republics from imploding? ∎ Phonet. [tr.] utter or pronounce (a consonant) with a sharp intake of air.DERIVATIVES: im·plo·sion / -zhən/ n.

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