Word
detonator
Phoneticsdet·o·na·tor, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdɛtəˌneɪtɝ/
UK/dˈɛtənˌeɪtɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a small device that makes a bomb or other explosive go off. You press it or switch it on to start the explosion from a safe distance.
n. a device that initiates the explosion of a bomb, blasting charge, or other explosive material. Activated mechanically, electrically, or by remote signal to start detonation.
Examples
“He presses the detonator and the fireworks explode.”
“The demolition crew checks the detonator twice before clearing the old bridge for a controlled explosion.”
“Investigators traced the failed blast to a faulty detonator whose delayed signal left the main charge intact, forcing the team to redesign the entire firing sequence.”
Examples
simple
“He presses the detonator and the fireworks explode.”
contextual
“The demolition crew checks the detonator twice before clearing the old bridge for a controlled explosion.”
complex
“Investigators traced the failed blast to a faulty detonator whose delayed signal left the main charge intact, forcing the team to redesign the entire firing sequence.”
Real-World Examples
“The interior minister said that the drone's configuration, components, explosives and detonator were all known from other Russian hybrid operations.” “It failed to explode as the detonator was apparently faulty, and investigators suspect a second drone collided with a cargo aircraft nearby.” “Ultimately, Miles sacrifices himself so that the others can escape, holding onto the detonator that sets off a massive explosion until his final breath.” “Last year Polish security officials arrested several people allegedly planning to mail parcels containing incendiary devices or detonators, some of them reportedly posted from Romania.” Etymology
From detonate + -or.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Related words
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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