detonation

noun

det·​o·​na·​tion ˌde-tᵊn-ˈā-shən How to pronounce detonation (audio)
ˌde-tə-ˈnā-
1
: the action or process of detonating
2
: rapid combustion in an internal combustion engine that results in knocking

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Following the detonation of the two Russian BM-21 Grad systems, a Russian military blogger alleged that Ukraine used HIMARS to fire the GLSDB. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024 Hezbollah spy hunters killed Simultaneously, in Lebanon, Hezbollah began conducting a major investigation to purge Israeli spies among them, questioning hundreds of members after the pager detonations, three sources in Lebanon told Reuters. Samia Nakhoul and Laila Bassam, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2024 The most tenuous part of a possible World War III is the potential that the conflict escalates to a nuclear detonation. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024 As well as constant explosive detonations between the blades. New Atlas, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for detonation 

Word History

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of detonation was in 1686

Dictionary Entries Near detonation

Cite this Entry

“Detonation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detonation. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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