3 syllables: ex, plo, sion. Stress on plo.
ik-SPLOH-zhuhn
/ɪksˈploʊʒən/
explosion is pronounced ik-SPLOH-zhuhn (/ɪksˈploʊʒən/). It has three syllables (ex-plo-sion), with the stress on "plo". An event or action involving a violent release of energy, often producing a loud sound, heat, and a shockwave. In common usage, it refers to a sudden, powerful outward burst, as in a bomb or scientific detonation, or metaphorically to a rapid, dramatic occurrence. The noun typically emphasizes the moment of release rather than aftermath.
An event or action involving a violent release of energy, often producing a loud sound, heat, and a shockwave. In common usage, it refers to a sudden, powerful outward burst, as in a bomb or scientific detonation, or metaphorically to a rapid, dramatic occurrence. The noun typically emphasizes the moment of release rather than aftermath.
"The explosion shattered nearby windows and sent debris flying."
"Scientists studied the explosion to understand the energy release."
"The crowd gasped at the sudden explosion of color and light in the fireworks show."
Say /ɪkˈspləʊʒən/ (US: ɪkˈspləʊʒən; UK/AU typically ɪkˈspləʊʃən with the /ʒ/ in some accents). Emphasize the second syllable: ex-PLÓ-sion, with a light, fast final -ən. The /ʒ/ is a voiced postalveolar fricative; keep the tongue just behind the alveolar ridge and let air flow continuously. End with a crisp /ən/ rather than a murmur. Practice slow, then natural pace.
Common errors: misplacing stress (e.g., ex-plo-SI-on); pronouncing the /z/ as /s/ or merging /ʒən/ into /ʃən/. Others mispronounce /ˈsplə/ as /ˈsplæ/ or substitute /ɒ/ for /əʊ/. Correction tips: anchor the stress on the second syllable, keep /s/ and final /n/ distinct, and articulate /ʒ/ clearly by placing the tongue near the postalveolar region and voicing the sound.
US tends to have /ɪkˈspləʊʒən/ with a clear /ʒ/ and a slightly longer first vowel in unstressed syllables; UK often uses /ɪkˈspləʊʃən/ with a lighter /ɪ/ or /ə/ and a crisper /ʒ/; AU similar to UK but with more vowel flattening and a possible quicker /ə/ reduction in the second syllable. In all, main variation centers on the duration and quality of the second syllable vowel and the exact realization of /ʒ/.
Difficulties stem from the cluster /ks-pli/ and the mid- or back-vowel quality in the second syllable, plus the /ʒ/ sound which is less common in some accents. The stress pattern (second syllable) can be misapplied when speaking quickly, leading to a mis-timed or flat ex-plo-sion. Practicing minimal pairs and focusing on the /ʒ/ articulation helps stabilize the final syllable.
A key feature is the /ʒ/ in the final syllable, which follows /plə/ and precedes /ən/. Many learners substitute /ʒ/ with /ʃ/ or /dʒ/, altering the word's characteristic sound. Maintaining the /ʒ/ and the two-syllable emphasis inside the third? Actually second syllable is stressed: ex-PLÓ-sion. Keeping a clear /ʒ/ and distinct /ən/ final is essential for naturalness.
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Explosion comes from Middle French explosion, from Latin explosio, explosus, from the verb explodere, meaning to drive out by breaking apart. Explode itself originates from Latin explodere (ex- ‘out’ + plodere ‘to clap, strike’), figuratively referring to something driven or blown apart. The earliest English usage appeared in the late 16th century, initially in contexts of physical breaking or bursting. Over time, the term broadened to denote the violent release of energy in both literal detonation and figurative senses (an explosion of color, noise, or activity). The noun form emerged to capture the event of that release, distinguishing the act from the result. Throughout its history, explosion has retained a strong association with sudden, forceful outward movement and a dramatic onset, reinforced by scientific and military terminology. Modern usage spans engineering, physics, arts, and journalism, with metaphorical extensions common in describing rapid, intense phenomena. In contemporary English, explosion also appears in phrases like “burst into/explosion of laughter” and “explosion-proof,” reflecting its wide semantic reach.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "explosion" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "explosion"
-ion sounds
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