defuse

== English == === Alternative forms === defuze === Etymology 1 === From de- + fuse. ==== Pronunciation ==== IPA(key): /diːˈfjuːz/ Rhymes: -uːz ==== Verb ==== defuse (third-person singular simple present defuses, present participle defusing, simple past and past participle defused) (transitive) To remove the fuse from (e.g. a bomb). (transitive, figurative) To make less dangerous, tense, or hostile. Synonym: de-escalate ===== Usage notes ===== May be confused with diffuse (“to spread through fluid”), especially the figurative sense. ===== Derived terms ===== ===== Related terms ===== defusion defusive defuze ===== Translations ===== === Etymology 2 === Compare diffuse. ==== Pronunciation ==== IPA(key): /dɪˈfjuːz/ Rhymes: -uːz Homophones: diffuse ==== Verb ==== defuse (third-person singular simple present defuses, present participle defusing, simple past and past participle defused) (obsolete) To disorder; to make shapeless.