# detonation

/ˌdɛtəˈneɪʃən/ (US) · /dˌɛtənˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/detonation
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

the act of making a bomb or explosive go off. It is the exact moment when something explodes with great force.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Often used as an uncountable noun for the process, but countable when referring to a specific instance or event.

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