Detonize

/ˈdɛtənaɪz/ verb

Definition

To cause something to explode or to undergo detonation; to set off a bomb or explosive device.

Etymology

From detonate (from Latin detonare, 'to thunder down') + -ize suffix meaning 'to make or cause to become.' The term combines the concept of explosion with the productive suffix used to create verbs.

Kelly Says

The suffix -ize is so powerful in English that it can turn almost any adjective or noun into an action verb—detonize shows how we literally 'make something detonate' by adding just three letters, which is why scientists and engineers love this kind of word-building.

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