defuse
Translation
to defuse, to disarm
Examples
He tried to defuse the tense situation.
He tried to defuse the tense situation.
The expert was called to defuse the bomb.
The expert was called to defuse the bomb.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to make (a situation) less tense or dangerous He tried to defuse the tense situation.
Similar Words
Synonyms: calm, neutralize; Antonyms: escalate
Etymology
Etymology: 'de-' (remove) + 'fuse' (igniter). Literally, to remove the fuse.
Memory Tips
Think of 'de-fusing' a situation, like taking the fuse out of a bomb to stop it exploding.