Detonate — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈde-tᵊn-ˌāt/ det·o·nate

Meaning & Definition of Detonate

Detonate (verb)

  1. to explode with sudden violence
  2. to cause to detonate
  3. to set off in a burst of activity, spark

Detonate (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to break open or into pieces usually because of internal pressure

    "the bomb detonated with a thunder that could be heard for blocks in all directions"

    similar: blow, blow up, burst, crump, explode, go off, pop
    related: fragment, shatter, smash, splinter, discharge, fire, shoot, balloon, burgeon, mushroom
    opposite: implode
    near: collapse, fizzle

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Detonate

The most common words with a similar meaning to Detonate:

blow, blow up, burst, crump, explode, go off, pop

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Detonate

Words with the opposite meaning of Detonate:

implode

Related Words for Detonate

fragment, shatter, smash, splinter, discharge, fire, shoot, balloon, burgeon, mushroom

Near Antonyms of Detonate

collapse, fizzle

Word Forms of Detonate

Inflections: detonated, detonating

Derived words: detonatable (adjective), detonative (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Detonate

French détoner to explode, from Latin detonare to expend thunder, from de- + tonare to thunder thunder:1

First known use: 1729i

Frequently Asked Questions about Detonate

What does "Detonate" mean?

"Detonate" means to explode with sudden violence. As a verb, it is defined as: to explode with sudden violence.

What is another word for "Detonate"?

Other words for "Detonate" include blow, blow up, burst, crump, explode, go off and pop. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Detonate" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Detonate"?

There are 17 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Detonate". Common alternatives include blow, blow up, burst, crump, explode, go off and pop.

What is the opposite of "Detonate"?

Antonyms of "Detonate" include implode. Near antonyms include collapse and fizzle.

How do you use "Detonate" in a sentence?

Examples of "Detonate" in a sentence: "the bomb detonated with a thunder that could be heard for blocks in all directions".

Is "Detonate" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Detonate" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Detonate"?

"Detonate" is pronounced /ˈde-tᵊn-ˌāt/ and divided into syllables as det·o·nate.

What is the origin of the word "Detonate"?

"Detonate" comes from French détoner to explode, from Latin detonare to expend thunder, from de- + tonare to thunder thunder:1. First known use: 1729i.