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
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
Key finds will also include fragments, shrapnel and device components, to help reconstruct the method of detonation.
—
Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2025
The story follows ex-Green Beret Jeff Eriksson (as Chase), who leads his family to a fortified prepper compound after a nuclear detonation in Los Angeles plunges the nation into chaos.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2025
In the past, government data from a sensor network used to detect nuclear detonations has been used to help pinpoint the impact point of space junk or meteoroids.
—Eric MacK, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
The military was planning an even higher-altitude detonation that summer — more than 800 miles up.
—William J. Broad, New York Times, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for detonation
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.
Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2025
The story follows ex-Green Beret Jeff Eriksson (as Chase), who leads his family to a fortified prepper compound after a nuclear detonation in Los Angeles plunges the nation into chaos.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2025
In the past, government data from a sensor network used to detect nuclear detonations has been used to help pinpoint the impact point of space junk or meteoroids.
—Eric MacK, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
The military was planning an even higher-altitude detonation that summer — more than 800 miles up.
—William J. Broad, New York Times, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for detonation
Cite this Entry
“Detonation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detonation. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share