defuse

4 definitions • 3 examples

to prevent a bomb from exploding:

Bomb disposal experts have defused a 110-pound bomb at a subway station this afternoon.

to make a difficult or dangerous situation calmer by reducing or removing its cause:

The two groups will meet next week to try to defuse the crisis/situation/tension.

to make a difficult or dangerous situation calmer:

The two groups are trying to defuse tensions in the town council over the budget.

If you defuse a bomb, you prevent it from exploding.