detonate

Meaning

1. To explode; to blow up. Specifically, to combust or decompose supersonically via shock compression.
2. To cause to explode.
3. To express sudden anger.

Synonyms

explode

blow up

burst

blast

set off

bang

fulminate

go off

pop

rupture

shoot

combust

crack

displode

backfire

demolition blast

blow out

burst out

catch fire

deflagrate

erupt

fire

🔥

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈdɛtəneɪt/

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin dētonō, dētonātus, which meant "to stop thundering", e.g. as in weather (dē- (“from”) + tonāre (“thunder”)). The current English meaning seems to be a new formation in postclassical times.