detonation
Americannoun
-
the act of detonating.
-
an explosion.
-
Machinery. the premature spontaneous burning of a fuel–air mixture in an internal-combustion engine due to the high temperature of air compressed in a cylinder.
noun
-
an explosion or the act of exploding
-
the spontaneous combustion in an internal-combustion engine of part of the mixture before it has been reached by the flame front, causing the engine to knock
-
physics rapid combustion, esp that occurring within a shock wave
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of detonation
1670–80; < Medieval Latin dētonātiōn- (stem of dētonātiō ), equivalent to Latin dētonāt ( us ) ( see detonate) + -iōn- -ion
Explanation
A detonation is an explosion, usually done on purpose. Nuclear weapons cause massive detonations, and cities sometimes plan a careful detonation of an abandoned building in order to make room for a new structure. Detonation can be two things: the actual moment someone presses the button that creates the explosion, and then there’s the explosion itself. Its root word is the Latin detonare, which means “thunder down,” and if you’ve ever heard a detonation you understand that phrase well. Not all detonations are bad — like beautiful fireworks or the hilarious detonation of an exploding cigar.
Vocabulary lists containing detonation
The Hot Zone
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Modern Automotive Technology," Vocabulary from Section 4
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Mockingjay
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"What happens when a warrior comes against a freak of nature? Derek comes to fight, but I'm coming with detonation," Wilder said.
From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026
“The Complex,” more meandering and less searing — is a departure from such detonation.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026
Textron’s tech can also trick mine sensors into thinking a large boat is passing, triggering a relatively safe detonation.
From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026
She continued: "When you take out a major leader, there's a detonation of a struggle to take control in that vacuum. So, you'll see these squabbles for power in different parts of the country."
From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026
Each detonation was followed by a brief atomic light show, and then the blast would dissipate harmlessly against the shield.
From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
