defang

[dee-fang]

verb (used with object)

1. to remove the fangs of.

   to defang a snake.

2. to cause to become less powerful or threatening; render harmless.

Word History and Origins

Origin of defang¹

First recorded in 1950–55; de- + fang ¹

Example Sentences

In July, Zelensky signed a law to defang the two agencies.

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Netanyahu trusts few people, and those who are perceived as political threats have often been pushed out or defanged.

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Israel defanged Iran and its most powerful militia allies, Hamas and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, removing major threats.

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At this edition, the Americans functionally defanged a notoriously difficult course.

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But “F1” is not merely safe, it’s been defanged and neutered — it doesn’t even bark!

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