detonate

det-o-nate · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To explode or cause to explode.

  2. 2.

    (Of an explosive) to go off with a violent release of energy.

Related words

Antonyms: defuse, disarm
See also: detonator, explode, explosion
Synonyms: blow up, explode, set off, trigger

Etymology

From Latin detonare meaning "to thunder down," from de- (down) + tonare (to thunder). First recorded in English in the early 18th century.