detonate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Because of their small size, the rats are not heavy enough to detonate mines, making them a safer option than humans.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

The US currently uses computer simulations and other non-explosive means to test its nuclear weapons, and therefore does not have a practical justification to detonate them, multiple experts said.

From BBC • Oct. 30, 2025

With a range of 3 miles, the Nimbrix missile has a warhead that can detonate in the air to target swarms of drones at a relatively low cost.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 14, 2025

One of my cousins who lives in Dahiyeh had disconnected the solar-powered lithium batteries that provided electricity to his apartment for fear that they could detonate.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 23, 2024

Some of the mortar safety pins, which kept the priming mechanism from allowing the round to detonate on impact, had not been replaced.

From "Boots on the Ground: America's War in Vietnam" by Elizabeth Partridge