Definition

1. Verb:
   • To explode or cause to explode violently: The primary meaning refers to the act of causing a sudden, violent release of energy, typically from a bomb or explosive device. It can be used both intransitively (the thing explodes by itself) and transitively (someone causes it to explode).

Usage

• Intransitive Verb (to explode): Used when the subject (the explosive) bursts on its own.

  • The engineers ensured the old dynamite would detonate safely.
  • The mine detonated upon contact.

• Transitive Verb (to cause to explode): Used when an agent (a person, device, or action) causes the explosion.

  • The soldier detonated the charge remotely.
  • They plan to detonate the device at a specific time.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: Can be used metaphorically to describe something that happens suddenly and with great impact, like an emotional outburst or a sudden event.
  • His angry comment detonated a wave of protests in the meeting.
  • The scandal detonated in the press yesterday.

Variants and Related Words

• Detonation (n): The action or process of detonating; an explosion.
  • The detonation was heard miles away.
• Detonator (n): A device used to trigger an explosion.
  • The bomb squad carefully disconnected the detonator.

Synonyms

• Explode: To burst or shatter violently and noisily.
• Blow up: To explode or cause to explode (more informal).
• Set off: To cause an explosion or start a process.

Phrasal Verbs

• Detonate on impact: To explode immediately upon striking something.
  • The artillery shell is designed to detonate on impact.

Verb

1. burst and release energy as through a violent chemical or physical reaction
   • the bomb detonated at noon
   • The Molotov cocktail exploded
2. cause to burst with a violent release of energy
   • We exploded the nuclear bomb