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.
The detonation of a powerful nuclear bomb in orbit could not only destroy thousands of satellites, but also swiftly cause the deaths of any nearby astronauts, Samson tells me in the interview. Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025 This detonation will spew material at the other white dwarf, triggering the same devastating sequence. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Apr. 2025 The same thing happened on Flight 8, which lifted off on March 6 — another chopsticks catch of Super Heavy, another detonation above the Atlantic Ocean for the upper stage. Mike Wall, Space.com, 3 Apr. 2025 The sounds were likely detonations from explosive drones that a new Haitian police task force has been dropping on some gang strongholds. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Detonation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detonation. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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