defang

[ dee-fang ]

/ diˈfæŋ /

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verb (used with object)

to remove the fangs of: to defang a snake.

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

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Origin of defang

First recorded in 1950–55; de- + fang¹

Words nearby defang

defalcation, defamation, defamatory, defame, defamiliarization, defang, default, defaulter, DEFCON, defeasance, defease

How to use defang in a sentence

The Voting Rights Act, partially defanged by the Supreme Court after 2011, still requires legislators in each state to draw a number of majority-minority districts.
The Trailer: The redistricting mess begins, and the GOP still has the advantage|David Weigel|August 26, 2021|Washington Post
In so doing, the film becomes essentially a loving tribute—but it feels oddly hollow and defanged, and may leave viewers wondering exactly what the point of the whole fandango is.
‘Aline,’ Cannes’ Unauthorized Celine Dion Biopic, Is Like a Will Ferrell Movie Without the Jokes|Caspar Salmon|July 14, 2021|The Daily Beast
One goal would be to defang Ayton, who is shooting almost 70 percent from the floor in the playoffs and scores with relative ease when Milwaukee’s non-centers are forced to guard him in the paint.
Who Said Small Ball Is The Only Way To Win A Title?|Louis Zatzman|July 14, 2021|FiveThirtyEight
These vaccines were made to defang or tame the virus, and they’re doing an excellent job at that.
Experts predict U.S. COVID-19 cases will dip in summer but surge in winter|Tina Hesman Saey|April 23, 2021|Science News

Meanwhile, in Missouri, the passage of Amendment 3 would defang the redistricting reform initiative that 62 percent of voters approved in 2018.
The 21 Ballot Measures We’re Watching This Election|Nathaniel Rakich (nathaniel.rakich@fivethirtyeight.com)|October 31, 2020|FiveThirtyEight
It may even sink the talks President Obama is hoping will persuade Iran to defang its nuclear program.
Russia’s Ace in the Hole: a Super-Missile It Can Sell to Iran|Eli Lake|April 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Yet this overdetermined combination, with its delicious and delicate execution, helps defang both symbols and make them ludicrous.
Offensiveness, Defanged|Blake Gopnik|April 6, 2012|DAILY BEAST
To be sure, Washington has been trying to defang this capability, but it has been living with it.
Leslie H. Gelb: North Korea, U.S. Headed to Brink of War, Unnoticed|Leslie H. Gelb|April 1, 2012|DAILY BEAST
There is indeed a threat, but it is the Northern Irish parties themselves who are in the best position to defang it.
Ireland's Big Breakthrough|Niall Stanage|February 6, 2010|DAILY BEAST
This simple switch would single-handedly defang conservative fear-mongering about the national socialization of health care.
Obama's New 'Best Friends'|John Avlon|August 2, 2009|DAILY BEAST