# detonator

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈdɛt.ə.neɪ.tə(ɹ)/ · frequency rank #47,576

## Definitions
1. A device used to detonate an explosive device etc.
2. A small explosive device attached to the railhead to provide an audible warning when a train passes over it.
3. Any explosive whose action is practically instantaneous.
4. A gun fired by a percussion cap.

## Etymology
From detonate + -or.

## Easily confused with
- **detonate** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/detonate-vs-detonator)
- **decorator** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/decorator-vs-detonator)
- **detonation** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/detonation-vs-detonator)

## Common misspellings (13)
`ddetonator`, `deotnator`, `detnoator`, `detoantor`, `detonaotr`, `detonatorr`, `detonatro`, `detonattor`, `detonnator`, `detontaor`, `dettonator`, `dteonator`, `edtonator`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/detonator