detonating

A scientist carefully handles a container of detonating gas in the laboratory.

Definition

Adjective (participial adjective derived from the verb detonate) - Exploding or causing to explode: "detonating" describes something that is in the process of exploding or is capable of causing a sudden, violent explosion, typically through a chemical or mechanical action.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The detonating gas filled the chamber, posing a serious risk. (The gas was actively exploding or capable of exploding.)
  • A detonating fuse was used to trigger the main charge. (A fuse that causes an explosion.)
  • The detonating sound echoed across the valley. (The sound of an explosion.)

Advanced Usage

• "detonating cord": a flexible cord containing an explosive core, used to initiate a series of explosions.

  • The miners laid a detonating cord to blast the rock face. (A cord that explodes along its length.)

• "detonating mixture": a combination of substances that explodes when ignited or struck.

  • The laboratory handled the detonating mixture with extreme caution. (A mixture that is explosive.)

Variants and Related Words

• Detonate (verb): to explode or cause to explode.

  • The bomb squad had to detonate the device remotely. (Cause it to explode.)

• Detonation (noun): the act or process of exploding.

  • The detonation was heard for miles. (The explosion itself.)

• Detonator (noun): a device used to trigger an explosion.

  • The detonator was connected to the main charge. (The initiating mechanism.)

Synonyms

• Exploding: bursting or breaking apart violently.
• Blasting: causing a sudden, forceful explosion.
• Bursting: breaking open or apart from internal pressure.

Phrasal Verbs

• Detonate on: to explode upon contact or activation.

  • The mine will detonate on pressure. (Explode when stepped on.)

• Detonate off: to cause an explosion away from the main source.

  • The charges were detonated off the main line. (Triggered from a distance.)

Related Idioms

• Set off a bomb: to cause an explosion; not a direct idiom but related to the concept of detonating.

  • The terrorists planned to set off a bomb in the city. (Cause an explosion.)

• Go off with a bang: to explode loudly or be very successful (informal).

  • The fireworks went off with a bang. (Exploded loudly.)