cause to explode; "We exploded the nuclear bomb"

explode; "the bomb detonated at noon"

A characteristic of high explosives, a detonation occurs when the explosive decomposition of a substance forms an energy wave that moves rapidly though the substance at speeds that exceed the speed of sound. Technically speaking, fireworks do not detonate, but high explosives do.

The rapid decomposition of an explosive material leading to a rapidly moving wave of high temperature and high pressure. May be started by impact, friction or heat.

To explode with great violence. It is generally associated with high explosives e.g. TNT, dynamite, etc., and not with the relatively slow-burning smokeless gunpowders that are classed as propellants.

1. To explode violently and noisily. 2. To set off an explosion.