Detonating: meaning, definitions and examples

Suitable for describing the act of causing something to explode, often used in a technical or controlled setting.

• The bomb squad is detonating the found explosives in a safe area.
• Specialists are carefully detonating the old military ordinances.

Describes a substance or device that can cause an explosion, also can describe a sudden and dramatic increase or reaction.

• They handled the explosive chemicals with extreme caution.
• The situation at the meeting was explosive, with tempers flaring.

Typically used to describe a forceful explosion, often in construction or demolition. Can also refer to loud sounds.

• They are blasting through the rock to build the tunnel.
• The music was blasting from the speakers at the party.

A general term for something bursting violently due to impact or internal pressure. Can be used metaphorically for emotions or situations.

• The fireworks were exploding in the sky during the celebration.
• Her anger was like a time bomb exploding after days of being silent.

Used in technical or formal contexts to describe the act of making a bomb or explosive device explode.

• The bomb squad is responsible for safely detonating unexploded devices

Usually used to describe the action of causing a mechanism to work or initiating an event, not necessarily an explosion.

• A faulty wire could trigger the alarm system unexpectedly

Often used informally to describe initiating an explosion or causing something to start, including alarms or other events.

• He accidentally set off the fire alarm while cooking dinner