defog

[ dee-fog, -fawg ]

verb (used with object)

, de·fogged, de·fog·ging.

1. to remove the fog or moisture from (a car window, mirror, etc.).
2. Informal. to make intelligible, specific, or obvious; clarify:

   In a lengthy interview the mayor defogged the issues in the transit strike.

Word History and Origins

Origin of defog¹

First recorded in 1900–05; de- + fog ¹

Example Sentences

The agency said touchscreen failures posed significant safety issues, including the loss of rear view or backup camera images, exterior turn-signal lighting, and windshield defogging and defrosting systems.

From Reuters

Transport Canada said it is concerned that a malfunctioning heating and air-conditioning system "may affect windshield defogging/defrosting and therefore driver visibility."

From Reuters

Neither were the windshield wipers and defogging system nor the lamps and reflective safety devices.

From The Verge

Between sharing unconventional cleaning hacks like using newspaper as a liner to help with dusting or using shaving cream to defog mirrors, Mila’s content regularly gets thousands of views every time she posts.

From Fox News

It could help to defog our vision, giving us a clearer window into what had been a blurry experience.

From New York Times

Related Words

• absolve
• acquit
• clarify
• exonerate
• release