What does implosive mean?
Implosive is a technical term in phonetics for a consonant made with the airflow moving inward toward the centre of the mouth. The lips or another articulator close, pressure builds, and the sound is released inward. This distinguishes an implosive from an explosive, whose airflow moves outward. The word can function as an adjective, as in “implosive consonant,” or as a noun naming the sound itself. Although implosive sounds are relatively uncommon in the world’s languages, they are well established in the consonant inventories of several languages. The term is most useful to students of phonetics, linguistics and language teaching, where it provides a precise way to describe the direction of airflow and the mechanism of articulation.
Relating to or involving a consonant produced by inward movement of air.
"The final sound is implosive, with the airflow directed into the mouth."
Used chiefly in phonetics and linguistics.
A consonant produced by inward movement of air.
"The script marks the final consonant as an implosive."
Used chiefly in phonetics and linguistics.
An implosive reverses the usual direction of speech pressure, sending the airflow inward before the sound is released.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does implosive come from?
The word derives from the Latin implōdere, meaning “to burst or force inward,” formed from the prefix in- and plaudere, related to making a loud sound. English developed implode and implosion from this Latin foundation, while explosive and explosion belong to the contrasting cognate family based on explōdere, “to drive apart.” The adjective and noun implosive were formed in English with the suffix -ive.
Related word forms
How implosive is actually used
The term is primarily used in phonetics and linguistics. It is more technical than the everyday description of a sound moving inward and is not usually used metaphorically.
Easily confused with implosive
An implosive sound moves air inward toward the centre of the mouth, whereas an explosive sound moves air outward.