detonation
C1Formal; Technical; Journalistic
Definition
Meaning
A violent and sudden explosion, especially of a bomb or other explosive device.
Any sudden, violent, and often disastrous event or release of energy; also used figuratively for a sudden, impactful occurrence, like the "detonation" of a scandal.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a countable noun (a detonation). Implies a chemically-driven, supersonic explosion (as opposed to a slower deflagration). Often connotes a planned or engineered explosion, but can describe accidental ones.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'Blast' and 'explosion' are more common synonyms in everyday speech in both varieties.
Connotations
In both, strongly associated with military, engineering, and disaster contexts. Slightly more technical in connotation than 'explosion'.
Frequency
Comparatively low-frequency, specialist term in both varieties, appearing more in news, scientific, and military discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The detonation of [explosive/device]A detonation [occurred/took place/was heard][cause/trigger/prevent] a detonationVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Set off a chain reaction/detonation (figurative)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Figurative: 'The scandal caused a detonation in the company's share price.'
Academic
Common in physics, engineering, chemistry, and military history texts to describe specific types of explosions.
Everyday
Infrequent. Used mainly in news reports about bombs, mining, or accidents.
Technical
Primary usage. Precisely denotes a supersonic explosive reaction, as in 'high-order detonation'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The bomb disposal team decided to detonate the device remotely in a controlled explosion.
- The old ordinance was too unstable to move and had to be detonated on site.
American English
- The engineers will detonate the charges to clear the rubble from the collapsed building.
- Authorities detonated the suspicious package as a precaution.
adverb
British English
- The charge exploded detonatively, shattering the rock formation.
- (Note: Extremely rare; 'explosively' is standard)
American English
- (Note: 'Detonatively' is virtually unused. 'With a detonation' or 'explosively' are used instead.)
adjective
British English
- The detonation velocity was measured at over 8,000 metres per second.
- A detonation cord was used to synchronise the explosions.
American English
- The bomb squad used a detonation chamber for safe disposal.
- They studied the detonation wave propagation in the lab.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The loud detonation frightened the birds.
- The detonation of the old bomb could be heard miles away.
- Police closed the street for a controlled detonation.
- The accidental detonation in the warehouse was caused by a chemical mixture.
- Seismographs recorded the underground nuclear detonation.
- The detonation of the device unleashed a shockwave that shattered windows for blocks.
- Figuratively, the article's publication caused a political detonation that reshaped the election.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the word 'TONE' inside it. A detonation is so loud it sets the definitive, final 'TONE' for destruction.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUDDEN RELEASE IS AN EXPLOSION (e.g., 'a detonation of applause', 'a detonation of anger').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'детонация' in the context of engine knocking/pinging (автомобильная детонация). In English, this is 'engine knock' or 'pinging'. 'Detonation' in English is almost exclusively for bombs/explosives.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'detonation' for any loud noise (e.g., a door slam).
- Misspelling as 'detontation' or 'detonaton'.
- Using it as a verb (the verb is 'detonate').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'detonation' LEAST likely to be used correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Detonation' is a specific, technical type of explosion where the reaction front moves faster than the speed of sound (supersonic). 'Explosion' is a more general term for any violent release of energy.
No. The action is 'to detonate'. 'Detonation' is only a noun. Example: They will detonate (verb) the charge, causing a detonation (noun).
Primarily, yes. While natural events like supernovae are described as 'exploding', 'detonation' typically implies a chemical or nuclear explosive process, which is usually engineered.
The most common are 'detonative' (relating to the characteristics of a detonation) and 'detonable' (capable of being detonated). 'Explosive' is a much more frequent general adjective.
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