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

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

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

If these megacap IPOs don’t come to market, it would defuse Grantham’s bearish prediction — and might even be bullish.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 17, 2026

Regional players have pushed for diplomacy to defuse tensions.

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 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