1. (

• explode ,
• detonate ,
• blow_up ,
• set_off

) cause to burst with a violent release of energy; "We exploded the nuclear bomb" ;

2. (

• detonate ,
• explode ,
• blow_up ,

) burst and release energy as through a violent chemical or physical reaction; "the bomb detonated at noon"; "The Molotov cocktail exploded" ;