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.
“Mean” comments can sometimes just be ill-judged humor intended to defuse the atmosphere and, yes, sometimes they can be mean.
From MarketWatch
An attempt by aviation industry body Iata to defuse the situation - by stressing that its member airlines were keen to restore operations - failed to appease the Venezuelan government.
From BBC
Whether deliberate or candid, it’s nonetheless a strategy that evokes how Ronald Reagan defused questions about his age — then 73 — during the 1984 campaign.
From Seattle Times
When asked about the prank before first pitch Saturday, however, Kershaw defused the situation, declining to “take the bait” on a situation he seemed to have little care for.
From Los Angeles Times
If no, the supervisor told Johnson not to write it in order to defuse the situation, according to court records.
From Seattle Times
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
