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.

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

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

The bloc's efforts to defuse Myanmar's ongoing civil war have centred around a five-point plan that Myanmar agreed to in 2021 but has borne little fruit.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

I smiled and spoke as politely as I could to defuse the situation.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson