defuse Definition
- 1to make a situation less tense or dangerous
- 2to remove the fuse from a bomb
Using defuse: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "defuse" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The negotiator was able to defuse the hostage situation.
Example
She defused the argument by changing the subject.
Example
The bomb squad worked quickly to defuse the explosive device.
Example
He tried to defuse the tension by making a joke.
defuse Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using defuse
a ticking time bomb
a situation that is likely to become dangerous or harmful if not addressed soon
Example
The tension between the two countries is like a ticking time bomb that could explode at any moment.
walking on eggshells
to be very careful about what you say or do in order to avoid upsetting someone or causing a problem
Example
Ever since their argument, she's been walking on eggshells around him, afraid to say anything that might set him off.
light at the end of the tunnel
a sign of hope or relief after a long and difficult period of time
Example
After months of struggling, she finally saw a light at the end of the tunnel when she got a job offer.
Phrases with defuse
defuse a bomb
to remove the fuse or other triggering mechanism from a bomb in order to render it harmless
Example
The bomb squad was called in to defuse the explosive device.
defuse a situation
to make a tense or dangerous situation less so, often through negotiation or other means of calming
Example
The police were able to defuse the hostage situation without any casualties.
defuse an argument
to calm down a heated argument or disagreement
Example
She defused the argument by changing the subject and getting everyone to focus on something else.
Origins of defuse
from French 'défuser', meaning 'to deactivate a fuse'
Summary: defuse in Brief
To 'defuse' [dee-fyooz] is to make a situation less tense or dangerous, such as a hostage situation or argument. It can also refer to removing the fuse from a bomb to render it harmless. Phrases like 'defuse a bomb' and 'defuse a situation' are common, as well as idioms like 'walking on eggshells,' which means to be very careful to avoid causing a problem.
