» For other meanings of "explode" and "explosion" and similar, see Explosion (disambiguation). An explosion is a rapid increase in volume and release of energy in an extreme manner, usually with the generation of high temperatures and the release of gases. An explosion creates a shock wave. If the shock wave is a supersonic detonation, then the source of the blast is called a "high explosive". Subsonic shockwaves are created by low explosives through the slower burning process known as deflagr… (More on Explosion)