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defuse
or de·fuze
[ dee-fyooz ]
/ diˈfyuz /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used with object), de·fused, de·fus·ing.
to remove the fuze from (a bomb, mine, etc.).
to make less dangerous, tense, or embarrassing: to defuse a potentially ugly situation.
verb (used without object), de·fused, de·fus·ing.
to grow less dangerous; weaken.
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OTHER WORDS FROM defuse
de·fus·er, nounWORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH defuse
defuse , diffuseWords nearby defuse
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use defuse in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for defuse
defuse
sometimes US defuze
/ (diːˈfjuːz) /
verb (tr)
to remove the triggering device of (a bomb, etc)
to remove the cause of tension from (a crisis, etc)
undefined defuse
Avoid confusion with diffuse
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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