detonate
verb (used without object)
to explode with suddenness and violence.
were detonating
-
past progressiveof detonate.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
The bomb squads were detonating more fireworks to try to make the area safe.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2025
Marine engineers from Camp Pendleton were detonating explosives in the Cleveland National Forest around the time of the Jim fire’s ignition Wednesday morning, authorities have said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 5, 2022
Authorities have confirmed that Marine engineers from Camp Pendleton were detonating explosives in the forest around the time of the fire’s ignition.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 4, 2022
Marine engineers from Camp Pendleton were detonating explosives in the Cleveland National Forest around the time of the Jim fire’s ignition Wednesday morning, authorities have confirmed.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 4, 2022
Small memories were detonating around him like smart mines.
From Golf Digest ● May 6, 2020
