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
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
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
Like most Fortitude Ranchers, Larry could foresee society breaking down in a number of ways: a nuclear detonation, another pandemic, or rising political violence that could split the country into warring factions.
—Charles Bethea, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024
In the 1950s, the city’s chamber of commerce leaned into atomic tourism, going so far as to issue a calendar for tourists with a bomb detonation schedule and viewing sites, according to PBS.
—Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 10 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for detonation 
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Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
As well as constant explosive detonations between the blades.
—New Atlas, 4 Dec. 2024
Like most Fortitude Ranchers, Larry could foresee society breaking down in a number of ways: a nuclear detonation, another pandemic, or rising political violence that could split the country into warring factions.
—Charles Bethea, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024
In the 1950s, the city’s chamber of commerce leaned into atomic tourism, going so far as to issue a calendar for tourists with a bomb detonation schedule and viewing sites, according to PBS.
—Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 10 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for detonation
Dictionary Entries Near detonation
Cite this Entry
“Detonation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detonation. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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