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

That would aim to defuse any criticism that the Democratic Party was being undemocratic. —Axios, 18 July 2024

Prior to the convention, Bertram publicly offered St. Ben’s staff to defuse any conflicts between homeless individuals and police near the security perimeter. —John Diedrich, USA TODAY, 17 July 2024

However, Coalition workers along with officers from a special unit from Columbus, Ohio, Police Department designed to defuse confrontations. —Rory Linnane, Journal Sentinel, 15 July 2024

Since the Gaza conflict erupted last fall, a chief focus of Blinken’s top team has been attempting to defuse threats to Israel and improve conditions for Palestinians. —Missy Ryan, Washington Post, 24 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined at sense 1