What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
detonate
Example
The bomb detonated with a loud bang. [detonated: past tense]
Example
The demolition team will detonate the building at noon. [detonate: verb]
trigger
Example
He pulled the trigger and the gun fired. [trigger: noun]
Example
The news triggered a wave of panic among investors. [triggered: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Trigger is more commonly used than detonate in everyday language, as it is a more versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between detonate and trigger?
Both detonate and trigger can be used in formal and informal contexts, but detonate may be more commonly used in technical or specialized fields such as military or engineering.
