defuse

verb

de·​fuse (ˌ)dē-ˈfyüz 

defused; defusing; defuses

transitive verb

1

: to remove the fuse from (a mine, a bomb. etc.)

2

: to make less harmful, potent, or tense

defuse a crisis

Did you know?

defuse or diffuse?

Many people find it difficult to remember the difference between defuse and diffuse, and when faced with the need for one of these words simply grab whichever one first comes to mind. But it needn’t be this way: the meanings of these two are quite a bit different, and there is a simple way to differentiate between them. Defuse is formed by adding the prefix de- to the word fuse; you are removing the fuse (either literally or figuratively) when you defuse a situation, much as defanging something entails removing the fangs. Diffuse, when used as a verb, tends to carry meanings such as “spread” or “scatter.” Additionally, diffuse is the only one which may be found used as an adjective.

Examples of defuse in a Sentence

Skilled negotiators helped defuse the crisis.

Recent Examples on the Web

The good news is that awareness is the first step toward managing certainty and defusing this landmine. — Susan MacKenty Brady, Fortune, 14 July 2026

Meta’s decision to disable the Muse Image ability to tap into Instagram accounts without explicit permission defuses a layer of tension within the AI space just as another one emerged. — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 10 July 2026

There is currently no technology available to safely defuse a nuclear weapon in space. — Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 8 July 2026

Yet such surges of violence are expected, analysts say, as both sides seek to maximize leverage over key issues covered by a 14-point memorandum of understanding, agreed to on June 17, that sought to defuse the conflict. — Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor, 29 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for defuse

• accrues
• accuse
• aircrews
• amuse
• bamboos
• breakthroughs
• canoes
• cashews
• chartreuse
• confuse
• construes
• ensues