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 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 The detonation sent chunks of debris raining down over the area, creating a dazzling artificial meteor shower for people in The Bahamas and Florida's Space Coast, among other locales. Mike Wall, Space.com, 7 Mar. 2025 Part of our experience was out in the field with metal detectors, the other visiting remote bunkers where many of the dangerous munitions are transported, and kept, until detonation. Jim Clash, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025 The source said there had been subsequent detonations at the Bryansk chemical plant as well as a large fire. Reuters, NBC News, 14 Jan. 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 17 Mar. 2025.

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