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 is the general term for a sudden, violent release of energy. Detonation refers more specifically to an extremely rapid explosion in which the pressure wave spreads at supersonic speed. Without this technical qualification, Explosion is the appropriate term; when it has been confirmed or is important, Detonation is the better choice.
Die Untersuchung bestätigte eine Detonation auf dem Fabrikgelände mit einer überschallschnellen Druckwelle.
The investigation confirmed a detonation at the factory site with a supersonic pressure wave.
Die Anwohner hörten eine heftige Explosion auf dem Fabrikgelände.
Residents heard a violent explosion at the factory site.
