Dictionary

defuse

verb de·fuse \(ˌ)dē-ˈfyüz\

: to make (something) less serious, difficult, or tense

: 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>
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First Known Use of DEFUSE

1943

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