detonation
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detonation
An extremely fast explosion in which a pressure wave spreads at supersonic speed. It is characterized by a loud bang and a strong destructive force.
Die Detonation der alten Fliegerbombe erschütterte die gesamte Nachbarschaft.
The detonation of the old aerial bomb shook the entire neighborhood.
'Detonation' (detonation) is the noun corresponding to the verb 'detonieren' (to detonate). When something detonates, a detonation takes place. Both words are often used in the same context.
Die Bombe detonierte um Mitternacht.
The bomb detonated at midnight.
'Detonation' (detonation) is a rather technical and formal term that is often used in reports by the police or fire department, or in the news. It describes a particularly violent and rapid type of explosion.
Laut Polizeibericht war die Ursache eine Gas-Detonation.
According to the police report, the cause was a gas detonation.
Common combinations describe the effect of the detonation. People speak of a 'laute Detonation' (loud detonation), a 'heftige Detonation' (violent detonation), or of 'etwas zur Detonation bringen' (to cause something to detonate).
Die Experten brachten die alte Mine kontrolliert zur Detonation.
The experts brought the old mine to a controlled detonation.
To describe what exploded, German often uses the genitive or the preposition 'von' with the dative. Both forms are correct and common.
Die Detonation der Bombe verursachte große Schäden am Gebäude.
The detonation of the bomb caused major damage to the building.
explosion
'Explosion' and 'Detonation' both describe a sudden release of energy with a bang and pressure. 'Explosion' is the more general word and fits many everyday situations. 'Detonation' is more precise and technical: it means an especially fast explosion with a very strong pressure wave. Learners may confuse the words because every detonation is a kind of explosion. But not every explosion is called a 'Detonation' in everyday language. 'Detonation' is especially appropriate in technical, military, or police reports.
Nach der Detonation fanden die Experten Teile des Sprengkörpers auf dem Feld.
After the detonation, the experts found parts of the explosive device in the field.
In den Nachrichten wurde von einer Explosion in einer Fabrik berichtet.
The news reported an explosion in a factory.