defuse

or de·fuze

[ dee-fyooz ]

verb (used with object)

, de·fused, de·fus·ing.

1. to remove the fuze from (a bomb, mine, etc.).
2. to make less dangerous, tense, or embarrassing:

   to defuse a potentially ugly situation.

verb (used without object)

, de·fused, de·fus·ing.

1. to grow less dangerous; weaken.

defuse

/ diːˈfjuːz /

verb

1. to remove the triggering device of (a bomb, etc)
2. to remove the cause of tension from (a crisis, etc)

Usage

See diffuse

Other Words From

• de·fuser noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of defuse¹

First recorded in 1940–45; de- + fuse ¹

Example Sentences

More important for Labour, he helped defuse internal tensions between Mr. Blair and his chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, a rival who would eventually become Mr. Blair’s successor.

From New York Times

The Sheriff’s Department did not say whether the bag’s contents or the method of defusing it caused the flash.

From Los Angeles Times

However, Mondino was seen as important to Argentina's public image abroad, often stepping in to defuse tensions after confrontational statements made by Milei had upset other nations.

From BBC

There has been an attempt to defuse the backlash, with a range of measures being implemented.

From BBC

But its goal of defusing the conflict and brokering a ceasefire has eluded the administration at every turn.

From BBC

Related Words

• alleviate
• deactivate
• lessen
• soothe