implosion

noun

im·​plo·​sion im-ˈplō-zhən 

1

: the action of imploding

2

: the act or action of bringing to or as if to a center

also : integration

this implosion of cultures makes realistic for the first time the age-old vision of a world culture

—Kenneth Keniston

3

: the inrush of air in forming a suction stop

implosive

im-ˈplō-siv 

-ziv

adjective or noun

Examples of implosion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But the implosion of Assad’s regime could potentially weaken Putin’s hand in negotiations over ending the war in Ukraine, particularly if Putin’s bellicose threats in recent weeks of nuclear escalation are perceived as hollow. —Nathan Hodge, CNN, 9 Dec. 2024

That—despite their win at Crown Jewel—starts with a mega implosion, and WWE needs to build to that soon because, quite frankly, the women’s tag team division isn't a big enough spotlight for the two of them. —Blake Oestriecher, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024

The early 90s were mired in a deep sleep caused by the invasion of Iraq and the savings and loan implosion. —Allen Buchanan, Orange County Register, 26 Oct. 2024

While Jets fans may be used to such dire straits as the NFL regular season enters its final full month, the implosion of both New York franchises makes for one of the league’s most cringeworthy storylines this year. —Kyle Feldscher, CNN, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

in- entry 2 + -plosion (as in explosion)

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Kids Definition

implosion

noun

im·​plo·​sion im-ˈplō-zhən 

: the action of imploding

implosive

-ˈplō-siv 

-ziv

adjective