defuse - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
defuse Word Meanings
- to make a situation less tense or dangerous
- to remove the fuse from a bomb
- to lessen a threat or hostility
defuse Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
defuse Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/dɪˈfjuːz/
US
/dɪˈfjuz/
defuse Word Etymology
Root decomposition: de- (removal) + fuse (a lighting mechanism). Historical origin: Latin 'fusus' (to melt) → Old French ‘diffuser’ → English. Memory image: imagine a bomb with a fuse being carefully snipped, releasing tension like a deep breath after panic.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Defuse is a versatile verb with two core senses. The first meaning is figurative: to make a tense, dangerous, or hostile situation less likely to escalate, often by listening, offering concessions, or proposing a pause in the action. The second meaning is literal: to remove or neutralize the fuse on a bomb or explosive device, thereby preventing an explosion. This dual sense shares a common metaphor of a ticking fuse, but the literal meaning is restricted to dangerous or technical settings such as security or military work. In everyday speech, defuse is commonly used with nouns like situation, argument, crisis, or confrontation, emphasizing de-escalation rather than physical danger.
Usage Reminders
- - Use defuse to talk about calming or de-escalating a situation rather than about physical objects
- - Learn common collocations: defuse a crisis, defuse tensions, defuse hostility
- - Mind the spelling: defuse, defused, defusing (not diffuse)
- - Distinguish from diffuse (to spread) and diffuse (adj).
- - In formal writing, prefer defuse for de-escalation and reserve literal use for bombs or explosives.
Common Misconceptions
- Defuse only relates to bombs or weapons; not to everyday conflict resolution
- It means stop something from exploding, not just cooling down a mood
- Defuse is not the same as diffuse or diffuse can mean to spread
- Writers should not use defuse to replace calm down or pacify when people are angry
- The phrase defuse a situation is not commonly used with objects
Thinking Differences
Learners of English often picture defuse only in literal bomb contexts, so they may miss its everyday de-escalation sense. They also sometimes confuse defuse with diffuse, or overuse it in situations that are not tense enough to warrant de-escalation.
Learning Tips
- 1) Read and listen for both senses in context
- 2) Practice with phrases like defuse a crisis and defuse tensions
- 3) Distinguish from diffuse by focusing on de-escalation, not spreading
- 4) Memorize common collocations and verbs that take defuse
- 5) Review past tense forms: defused, defusing
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'defuse'?
A.To add fuel to the fire
B.To make something less serious
C.To explode
D.To secure a situation
Step 2: Usage
Choose the correct usage of 'defuse' in a sentence.
A.She tried to defuse the situation by arguing back.
B.The technician was able to defuse the bomb safely.
C.He used humor to defuse the tension during the meeting.
D.They decided to defuse the car.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'defuse'?
A.Disarm
B.Ignite
C.Complicate
D.Enhance
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'defuse'?
A.Calm
B.Escalate
C.Secure
D.Resolve
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where someone might need to defuse a situation?
A.A team leader calms down a disagreement between coworkers.
B.A friend makes a joke to lighten the mood after a tense discussion.
C.A teacher praises students to encourage engagement.
D.A firefighter addresses a fire quickly.
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