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

According to Astrobotic, this detonation process leads to an increase in specific impulse, or engine efficiency, of 15 percent. —Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 27 Apr. 2026

This successful test campaign represents an important milestone in Astrobotic’s development of rotating detonation rocket engines to improve the performance and payload capacity of its spacecraft. —Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2026

The focus at the Thursday bail hearing centered on Samuel Machado and his alleged role in the detonation of about 1 million pounds of fireworks at the Esparto compound. —Sacbee.com, 16 Apr. 2026

Only when more members and influential insiders demand better of one another as a matter of course, before things go sideways, will there be fewer political self-detonations and shattered lives. —Michelle Cottle, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2026

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