defuse
playSimple Definition of defuse
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: to make (something) less serious, difficult, or tense
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: to remove the part of (an explosive) that makes it explode : to remove the fuse from (an explosive)
Full Definition of defuse
transitive verb
1 : to remove the fuse from (as a mine or bomb)
2 : to make less harmful, potent, or tense <defuse the crisis>
Examples of defuse in a sentence
Skilled negotiators helped defuse the crisis.
1943
First Known Use of defuse
1943
Learn More about defuse
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Spanish Central: Translation of defuse Nglish: Translation of defuse for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of defuse for Arabic speakers
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