detonation

noun

det·​o·​na·​tion ˌde-tᵊn-ˈā-shən 

ˌde-tə-ˈnā-

1

: the action or process of detonating

2

: rapid combustion in an internal combustion engine that results in knocking

Synonyms

• blast
• blowup
• burst
• bursting
• eruption
• explosion
• outburst

Examples of detonation in a Sentence

there was a series of detonations around the base of the condemned building, causing it to come crashing down in a matter of minutes

Recent Examples on the Web

Ultimately more than 300 pounds of explosive precursor materials, hazardous chemicals, firearms and remote detonation devices were found in his home, vehicle and office, prosecutors said. —Alex Stone, ABC News, 29 Apr. 2025

In Bullet Train Explosion, a train has to maintain 100kmh speed to prevent a detonation, and much chaos and tension follows. —Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

In the event of a nuclear attack, traffic would halt, and instead civilians would stream in, sealing off the tunnel entrances with the aid of four concrete doors 1.5 meters thick and capable of withstanding a nuclear detonation at a distance of 1 kilometer. —Jessi Jezewska Stevens, The Dial, 24 Apr. 2025

That will initiate not one, but four explosions — a quadruple detonation. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for detonation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation