detonates
Sets something off
Detonates is the third-person singular of detonate—to explode or cause to explode with sudden violence.
Bombs detonate.
Demolition crews detonate charges to bring down buildings.
Figuratively, news or revelations can detonate, suggesting explosive impact: The scandal detonated across social media.
Explosive device or disaster
- blastSudden forceful burst
- explosionViolent burst of energy
- dynamitePowerful blasting compound
- TNTPowerful blasting compound
C-4 · grenade · IED · charge · fuse · ignites · triggers · blows
Sudden emotional release
- eruptsViolently discharges material
- explodesBursts apart violently
- triggersCauses or activates
- sparksFiery particles from friction
ignites · controversy · scandal · crisis · uproar · fury · backlash · firestorm
bomb
Explosive device or disaster
TNT · C-4 · grenade · IED · charge · fuse · ignites · triggers · blows · munitions
outburst
Sudden emotional release
sparks · ignites · controversy · scandal · crisis · uproar · fury · backlash · firestorm · reaction
artillery
Large-caliber battlefield weapons
- missileSelf-guided airborne weapon
- airstrikeAircraft-delivered military attack
- bombardmentSustained projectile assault
strike · ordnance · target · warhead · payload · tactical · mortar · shell · combat · warfare
demolition
Deliberate structural destruction
- implosionViolent collapse inward
- buildingEnclosed roofed structure
- structureArrangement of interconnected parts
stadium · bridge · quarry · mining · blasting · excavation · clearing · razing · scheduled · precision
detonatesduds
Clothes or failures
fizzles · misfires · malfunctions · fails · sputters
detonatesdefuses
Renders safe from detonation
disarms · deactivates · neutralizes · disables · dismantles
detonatesstabilizes
Makes firm or steady
implodes · contains · suppresses · dampens · smothers
- controlled detonationIntentional explosion under supervision
- remote detonatorWireless explosive activator
- remote detonationTriggering explosives from afar
detonate, detonation, detonator, detonated, detonating, detonators, detonations