Set off from school during particular time (8)

I believe the answer is:

detonate

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'set off' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'school during particular time' is the wordplay.
'school' becomes 'eton' (famous UK public school).
'during' indicates putting letters inside.
'particular time' becomes 'date' (date is a kind of time. I am not sure about the 'particular' bit.).
'eton' going within 'date' is 'DETONATE'.

'from' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for detonate that I've seen before include "Blow up, explode" , "Cause to explode" , "Trigger" , "go off with a bang" , "Set off explosive device" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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