detonation

noun

det·​o·​na·​tion ˌde-tᵊn-ˈā-shən 

ˌde-tə-ˈnā-

1

: the action or process of detonating

2

: rapid combustion in an internal combustion engine that results in knocking

Synonyms

• explosion
• eruption

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

The detonation of the bombs brought a terrible wonder, a soundless blast of light and colors never seen before, and never seen again. —R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

Five were core-collapsing massive stars, and five were the detonation of white dwarfs. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 19 Aug. 2025

In frustration, the AEC turned to another Plowshare experiment, Project Gnome, a detonation in New Mexico expected to be fully contained underground. —Shoshi Parks, Popular Science, 14 Aug. 2025

Survivors and their families gathered Saturday in rainy weather at Peace Park and nearby Hypocenter Park, located below the bomb’s exact detonation spot, hours before the official ceremony. —Mari Yamaguchi, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for detonation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation