Detonation

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

English: /ˌdɛtəˈneɪʃən/

Definitions

• The action of causing something to explode violently and suddenly.
• A rapid chemical reaction in which a substance undergoes explosive decomposition.

Usage Examples

• The controlled detonation of the old building was completed without any incidents.
• The detonation of fireworks lit up the night sky in brilliant colors.

Etymology

Derived from Latin "detonare," meaning "to thunder down," from "de-" (down) + "tonare" (to thunder). The noun form developed in the 18th century.

Synonyms

• Explosion
• Blast
• Ignition
• Combustion

Antonyms

• Suppression
• Extinguishment
• Diffusion

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In American English, "detonation" is pronounced as /ˌdɛtəˈneɪʃən/, whereas in British English, it is often pronounced as /ˌdɛtəˈneɪʃ(ə)n/.

Historical Usage

The word "detonation" gained prominence in the 19th and 20th centuries with advances in military and industrial explosives. It is widely used in scientific, engineering, and security-related contexts.

Cultural Nuances

Detonation is commonly associated with warfare, mining, demolition, and fireworks. It often appears in news reports about bombings, military operations, and scientific studies on explosive reactions.

More Information

The study of detonation is crucial in fields like physics, chemistry, and engineering. Scientists analyze factors such as shock waves, reaction speeds, and explosive materials. In the military, detonation science informs the development of controlled explosions and safety measures.