Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of causing an explosive to explode: The deliberate initiation of a rapid chemical or nuclear reaction that produces a sudden release of gas and heat.
   • A violent explosion: The event or instance of such an explosion, characterized by a sudden and powerful release of energy, often with a loud sound and destructive force.

Usage

• As a subject: "The detonation was heard for miles."
• As an object: "Engineers carefully controlled the detonation of the old bridge."
• With modifiers: "A nuclear detonation", "a controlled detonation", "a premature detonation".

Examples

• The detonation of the bomb caused widespread damage to the building.
• Safety protocols are essential to prevent the accidental detonation of explosives.
• Scientists studied the seismic waves from the underground detonation.

Advanced Usage

• "To set off a detonation": To initiate an explosion.
  • The rebel group threatened to set off a detonation in the city center.
• "Detonation wave": The supersonic shock wave that propagates through an explosive material during an explosion.
  • The research paper analyzed the speed of the detonation wave.

Variants and Related Words

• Detonate (verb): To explode or cause to explode with sudden violence.
  • The device is designed to detonate on impact.
• Detonator (noun): A device used to trigger an explosive detonation.
  • The bomb squad safely removed the detonator.

Synonyms

• Explosion: A sudden and violent release of energy.
• Blast: A destructive wave of air from an explosion.
• Bang: A sudden loud noise, often of an explosion.

Antonyms

• Implosion: A violent collapse inward, the opposite of an outward explosion.
• Defusion: The act of making an explosive device safe so it cannot detonate.

Related Phrases and Collocations

• High-order detonation: A complete and efficient explosion.
• Failed detonation: An instance where an explosive fails to explode as intended.
• Detonation velocity: The speed at which the explosive reaction travels through the material.

Noun

1. the act of detonating an explosive
2. a violent release of energy caused by a chemical or nuclear reaction