Spanish Conversation · Level 82
60 words
Spanish word
explotar
Pronunciation
IPA/eksploˈtaɾ/
Meaning
- verbexplode
Example
El tubo de gas explotó en la cocina.
The gas pipe exploded in the kitchen.
More examples
El petardo explotó en la plaza durante la celebración.
The firecracker exploded in the square during the celebration.
Core concept
A container bursting apart from sudden pressure.
Common phrases
hacer explotar una bomba
set off a bomb
explotar una mina
mine explodes
explotar un petardo
firecracker explodes
Similar words
estallar: Suddenly bursts into intense emotion.
enfurecerse: Feels intense, overwhelming fury.
enojarse: Feels angry or annoyed.
descontrolarse: Spirals into loss of emotional control.
Definition in Spanish
Estallar o hacer estallar algo de forma súbita y violenta; también puede describir una reacción emocional intensa.
Word origin
From Latin explodĕre 'to drive away by clapping', the word now denotes a forceful bursting action and a metaphorical emotional eruption and also carries a separate sense meaning 'to exploit'.
Usage tips
- Spanish 'explotar' can mean 'explode' or, when used with a direct object, 'exploit', so the presence of a direct object helps determine the intended meaning.