detonate
verb (used without object)
to explode with suddenness and violence.
had detonated
-
past perfectof detonate.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
In a rare acknowledgment during a meeting Thursday with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, Putin said that missiles fired by Russian air defenses after Ukrainian drones entered Russian airspace had detonated near an Azerbaijan Airlines plane.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2025
Officers patrolling the 8000 block of Cornflower Circle Friday night saw several people frantically carry the child into a residence after multiple fireworks had detonated in the area.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 5, 2025
He said the missile had detonated in a field, and that there had been no injuries or damage to infrastructure.
From Reuters ● Oct. 18, 2023
Once again, Green had detonated something in the Warriors, in the best way possible.
From Washington Post ● Apr. 25, 2023
Judging from the ringing in Leo’s ears, the dwarf had detonated the flash-bang grenade, which Leo had filled with a rare vial of Apollo’s music, pure liquid extract.
From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan
