defocus

[dee-foh-kuhs]

verb (used with object)

defocused, defocusing , defocussed, defocussing .

1. to cause loss of focus of.

   The slightest movement will defocus the microscope.

2. to interrupt or disturb (concentration, attention, etc.).

3. to disturb the concentration or awareness of (someone).

verb (used without object)

defocused, defocusing , defocussed, defocussing .

1. to lose or go out of focus.

2. to lose concentration or awareness; become distracted.

noun

plural

defocuses 

1. the result of defocusing, as a blurred photographic image.

Word History and Origins

Origin of defocus¹

First recorded in 1930–35; de- + focus