Word
detonation
Phoneticsdet·o·na·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌdɛtəˈneɪʃən/
UK/dˌɛtənˈeɪʃən/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. the act of making a bomb or explosive go off. It is the exact moment when something explodes with great force.
n. the action of causing a bomb or explosive device to explode. Refers specifically to a rapid, supersonic combustion process that creates a high-pressure shock wave.
Examples
“The detonation of the old building was scheduled for Sunday morning.”
“Engineers carefully calculated the timing of the detonation to ensure the bridge collapsed safely into the river.”
“The sudden detonation of the primary charge triggered a chain reaction that completely leveled the industrial facility within seconds, leaving investigators to piece together the cause of the failure.”
Examples
simple
“The detonation of the old building was scheduled for Sunday morning.”
contextual
“Engineers carefully calculated the timing of the detonation to ensure the bridge collapsed safely into the river.”
complex
“The sudden detonation of the primary charge triggered a chain reaction that completely leveled the industrial facility within seconds, leaving investigators to piece together the cause of the failure.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun for the process, but countable when referring to a specific instance or event.
Real-World Examples
“Scientists have successfully generated electricity with a hydrogen turbine that produces its own pressure through detonation waves instead of relying on a mechanical compressor.” “In a statement, he said a warehouse in the town of Myla had been struck, “followed by a detonation”.” Etymology
From French détonation; equivalent to detonate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/detonation