verb
defuse
dee-FYOOZ
verb
1
To remove the fuse or detonator from an explosive device.
"The bomb squad managed to defuse the device safely."
2
To make a tense or dangerous situation calmer.
"She used humor to defuse the argument before it escalated."
How to Use Defuse
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo take the danger out of something explosive — literally a bomb, or figuratively a tense situation.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "diffuse," which means to spread out — "defuse a bomb" but "diffuse light."
Easily confused with
Common pairings
defuse a bomb
defuse tension
defuse the situation
Word Forms
defused past tense, defused past tense, defuses singular, defuses singular
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The bomb squad managed to _____ the device safely.
Etymology
From de- + fuse.