Words / B2

DET-uh-nayt/ˈdetəneɪt/

To detonate is to explode, or to make a bomb or explosive explode: detonate a charge; detonated at. A detonator starts the explosion; explode is broader (already in the dictionary). Do not write detonate for a controlled burn; name the charge if the source gives it. Mix-up: detonate vs donate; denote; do not write detonate for a balloon pop unless the source names an explosive.

Meaning

To explode, or to make a bomb or explosive explode.

Examples

• “Do not write detonate for a controlled burn; name the charge if the source gives it.”
• “Do not write detonate for a controlled burn; name the charge if the source gives it, the H&S brief said.”
• “The mine detonated in the history source, which is still a named device — quote the year.”

Good to know

detonate a charge / bomb / mine; a detonator. Broader: explode (already in B1). Trap: donate / denote / a balloon. History, H&S, and physics. Cause an explosive to go off — name the charge.

Near in meaning

explode, blow up, set off

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