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 of detonation

• 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

However, there’s a palpable atmosphere of tension amidst what’s happening with these detonations. —Keir Simmons, NBC news, 3 Jan. 2026

The Russian Defense Ministry denied launching any strikes with missiles or other airborne weapons on Kharkiv on Friday and suggested, without offering evidence, that the damage could have been caused by the detonation of ammunition at a weapons depot. —Illia Novikov, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026

At the climactic sally, six aerial bombs were dropped; none scored a direct hit, but their detonations damaged the hull so severely that the ship sank in 21 minutes. —Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2026

These structures help trigger premature detonation, deflect attacks, or block small drones targeting the turret roof. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 29 Dec. 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