defocus

[ dee-foh-kuhs ]

verb (used with object)

, de·fo·cused, de·fo·cus·ing or (especially British) de·fo·cussed, de·fo·cus·sing.

1. to cause loss of focus of:

   The slightest movement will defocus the microscope.

2. to interrupt or disturb (concentration, attention, etc.).
3. to disturb the concentration or awareness of (someone).

verb (used without object)

, de·fo·cused, de·fo·cus·ing or (especially British) de·fo·cussed, de·fo·cus·sing.

1. to lose or go out of focus.
2. to lose concentration or awareness; become distracted.

noun

, plural de·fo·cus·es.

1. the result of defocusing, as a blurred photographic image.

Word History and Origins

Origin of defocus¹

First recorded in 1930–35; de- + focus

Example Sentences

"There is no established market to buy a clean beach or a seabird colony - inevitably large and financially well-resourced oil companies can deploy cash, lobbyists and legal teams to delay and defocus the blame game away from their responsibility," he said.

From BBC

Up top is a new physical switch for power along with a mode switching button, a record button, and a background defocus button.

From The Verge

I took this camera out for a day in Brooklyn to put its in-camera stabilization, defocus mode, and mic to the test.

From The Verge

I was disappointed with the mic quality and background defocus button as well.

From The Verge

And although the background defocus mode’s trick of opening up the lens aperture as much as possible to get the shallowest depth of field is great for beginners, I don’t think it’s valuable enough to devote a whole button to.

From The Verge