Detonate
/ˈdɛtəneɪt/noun
To cause something to explode, especially through a rapid chemical reaction.
Did you know?The same Latin thunder-root helped produce “astonish” and “astound,” preserving the old idea that a thunderclap could overwhelm or stun the mind.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*stenh₂-
“To thunder or make a loud, resounding noise”
Ancient Latin
Latin
tonāre
“To thunder”
Classical Latin
Latin
dētonāre
“To thunder down or thunder loudly”
17th Century
English
detonate
“To explode or cause an explosive discharge”
Modern English
English
detonate
“To make something explode”