Defuse

Pronunciation: /dɪˈfjuz/

Definitions of defuse

verb to make a situation less tense or dangerous by reducing the likelihood of conflict or violence

Example Sentences

A1 The teacher helped defuse the argument between the students.

A2 He used humor to defuse the tension in the room.

B1 The negotiator managed to defuse the situation before it escalated.

B2 The politician's speech was able to defuse the growing unrest in the country.

C1 The therapist's calming presence helped defuse the client's anxiety.

C2 The skilled mediator was able to defuse the conflict and reach a peaceful resolution.

Examples of defuse in a Sentence

formal The negotiator was able to defuse the tense situation and prevent any violence.

informal I had to defuse the argument between my siblings before it escalated.

slang I used humor to defuse the awkwardness of the situation.

figurative The therapist helped me defuse my pent-up emotions through therapy sessions.

Grammatical Forms of defuse

• past tense: defused
• plural: defuses
• comparative: more defuse
• superlative: most defuse
• present tense: defuses
• future tense: will defuse
• perfect tense: has defused
• continuous tense: is defusing
• singular: defuse
• positive degree: defuse
• infinitive: to defuse
• gerund: defusing
• participle: defusing

Origin and Evolution of defuse

First Known Use: 1943 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The word 'defuse' originated from the combination of the prefix 'de-' meaning 'remove' or 'undo' and the word 'fuse' meaning 'to melt or blend together'.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in the context of disarming explosives, the word 'defuse' has evolved to also mean calming or diffusing a tense situation or defusing a potentially dangerous or difficult issue.