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

Should the extension of the ESPN-ACC deal mollify Florida State and Clemson, the conference will have defused a legal battle that has already sprawled across courtrooms in three states. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 30 Jan. 2025

When knocking on their door, a peacemaker gift such as cookies or a bottle of wine may help defuse a potentially hostile encounter, said Tina Larsson, CEO of the Folson Group, a business consultant for condo and co-op buildings. —Jill Terreri Ramos, New York Times, 4 Jan. 2025

The game's rules are basically a direct imitation of Counter-Strike, with two teams, attackers and defenders, tactically competing against each other to plant and defuse a bomb, respectively. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024

Garcelle tries to come in and defuse the situation by asking Dorit how the situation with PK, a tongue after it’s fully licked an ashtray, is going. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 14 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined at sense 1