defuse

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.

It is not clear how long it will take to defuse the bomb.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 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

One evening in early February, a handful of progressive activists boarded buses outside Jerusalem's Teddy Stadium to document instances of violence and defuse the situation if necessary.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

Carney on Tuesday contradicted some of Trump’s accusations, and said he spoke with Trump to try to defuse the tension.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 10, 2026

While black leaders had tried to defuse the situation after the tense marches of the summer, by that fall tempers were flaring again.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson