detonate
UK: ˈdɛtəneɪt | US: ˈdɛtəneɪt
vi. to explode with sudden violence
vt. to cause (something) to explode
detonate = de<down, completely> + ton<thunder> + ate<verb suffix>
- de: Latin prefix meaning "down" or "completely," intensifying the action.
- ton: From Latin tonare ("to thunder"), reflecting the explosive sound.
- ate: Verb-forming suffix indicating action.
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin detonare ("to thunder down"), the word evolved through French détoner before entering English in the 18th century. The morpheme ton preserves the imagery of thunderous explosions, while de emphasizes the destructive force. This logical progression—from sound to action—makes the term vivid for describing controlled or sudden explosions.
The engineers will detonate the charges at a safe distance.
Fireworks are designed to detonate in colorful bursts.
The bomb failed to detonate due to a faulty trigger.
Scientists study how gases detonate under pressure.
The mine was cleared after experts detonated the unexploded device.