Meaning & use
defusing
Last updated
Removing the fuse from an explosive device to prevent it from detonating, or reducing tension in a difficult situation.
See it in a sentence
The bomb squad spent hours defusing the device safely.
She calmly began defusing the argument between her two coworkers.
A note on using this word
Frequently used figuratively for calming tense social or political situations, well beyond its literal military origin.
Words with a similar meaning
disarmingneutralizing
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
Another way to use it
2. verb
Reducing the tension or danger in a volatile situation.
His joke helped in defusing the tense meeting.
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