1. to explode or cause to explode suddenly and violently

Examples

• The bomb squad safely detonated the suspicious package.
• Lightning can detonate certain types of explosives.
• The demolition crew will detonate the charges at noon.
• The grenade will detonate five seconds after the pin is pulled.
• Scientists detonated a small explosive to study the rock formation.
• The old building was detonated in a controlled demolition.