defuse

[dee-fyooz] / diˈfyuz /

VERB

disarm; smooth over

Synonyms

STRONGEST

alleviate deactivate lessen soothe

STRONG

demilitarize diminish disable moderate mollify pacify pad restrain soften subdue weaken

Antonyms

STRONGEST

increase

STRONG

agitate aid assist enable free help incite irritate liberate release strengthen trouble upset worry

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

To defuse the outcry, the FDA last fall agreed to reconsider the drug.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Ritchson, according to the source, attempted to defuse the situation after Taylor allegedly dared him to get physical.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

Trump has since said he is seeking "immediate negotiations" to find a compromise and further defuse the row.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

If older couples start arguing about money, their tax preparer can try to defuse tensions by looking ahead and conjuring a worst-case scenario.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 5, 2026

Their levels of cortisol actually went down, as if they were unconsciously trying to defuse their own anger.

From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell