Spanish word

detonar

Pronunciation

IPA/detoˈnaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbexplode

Example

La bomba detonó durante la prueba.

The bomb exploded during the test.

Illustration for detonar (explode)

More examples

Un comentario tonto puede detonar una discusión entre amigos.

A silly remark can spark a discussion among friends.

Core concept

A demolition charge set off by a timer or remote.

Common phrases

  • detonar una discusión

    spark a discussion

  • detonar sospechas

    arouse suspicions

  • detonar una reacción

    trigger a reaction

Similar words

estallar: Ruptures suddenly, producing a sharp, loud bang.
explotar: Explodes violently, releasing strong force and sending fragments outward.
reventar: Bursts open and forcefully ejects its internal contents.

Definition in Spanish

Expresa iniciar o desencadenar una explosión intensa mediante un impulso externo, o que algo estalla emitiendo una detonación.

Word origin

Detonar ultimately comes from Latin detonāre, built from de- and tonāre 'to thunder', and entered Spanish with the sense of causing a loud, explosive discharge.

Usage tips

  • The verb is often used transitively (detonar una carga) while explotar frequently appears intransitively (la bomba explotó), so match the verb to the sentence structure.

Other meanings

  • detonateverb
  • set offverb

Opposites

  • desactivardeactivateverb
  • impedirpreventverb

Related words

Word lists with this word