defang

verb

de·​fang (ˌ)dē-ˈfaŋ How to pronounce defang (audio)
defanged; defanging; defangs

transitive verb

: to make harmless or less powerful

Examples of defang in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The senators twinning ➤ MORE READS: The Washington Post: Amazon and SpaceX aim to defang the federal labor board. Cate Martel, The Hill, 21 Nov. 2024 On day 12 of Wimbledon 2024, Daniil Medvedev called for more technology at Grand Slams, a remarkable Wimbledon streak got snapped, and Novak Djokovic showed how to defang a very sharp slice. Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 12 July 2024 Yet neutralizing the group that has killed hundreds of Americans and has been designated as a terrorist organization for as long as the State Department has maintained an official list would help defang Iran and bring more stability to the region. The Editors, National Review, 25 Sep. 2024 The premier place for online debate, a forum where new ideas could spring up has been defanged. Callum Booth, Forbes, 15 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for defang 

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of defang was in 1919

Dictionary Entries Near defang

Cite this Entry

“Defang.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defang. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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