detonate

Everyday

1. To make a bomb or explosive go off on purpose. tree →
2. To explode suddenly with a loud bang. tree →

In the lessons

Used in stories about wars, mines and fireworks, in science about chemical reactions, and in news about bomb squads making old bombs safe; tells the reader something is blowing up on purpose; phrases: «detonate a bomb», «remotely detonated», «controlled explosion».

Examples

• The bomb squad detonated the old shell in an empty field. tree →
• The fireworks detonated high above the river. tree →
• Engineers detonate explosives to knock down old towers. tree →
• The mine did not detonate, so the soldiers marked it with a flag. tree →
• In the film, the hero cut the red wire before the bomb could detonate. tree →
• Scientists showed how a tiny spark can detonate a gas cloud. tree →
• A wartime bomb found on a building site in London was safely detonated. tree →

Note

Regular verb: detonated, detonating. Noun: detonation; the device that sets off a bomb is a detonator. Safety: never touch an old shell or strange metal object; tell an adult and call the police. Do not confuse with «decimate» or «devastate».