verb

defuse

dee-FYOOZ

Defuse (verb) means to remove the fuse or detonator from an explosive device. Example: “The bomb squad managed to defuse the device safely.”

verb

To remove the fuse or detonator from an explosive device.

"The bomb squad managed to defuse the device safely."

To make a tense or dangerous situation calmer.

"She used humor to defuse the argument before it escalated."

How to use defuse

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo take the danger out of something explosive — literally a bomb, or figuratively a tense situation.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "diffuse," which means to spread out — "defuse a bomb" but "diffuse light."

Easily confused with

diffuse →

Common pairings

defuse a bomb defuse tension defuse the situation

Word forms

defused past tense, defused past tense, defuses singular, defuses singular

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The bomb squad managed to _____ the device safely.

Etymology

From de- + fuse.

Rhymes for defuse

use muse ruse fuse abuse mouse cause house louse pause amuse douse

See all rhymes for defuse →

Frequently asked questions

What does “defuse” mean?

The word “defuse” means to remove the fuse or detonator from an explosive device. In plain terms, to take the danger out of something explosive — literally a bomb, or figuratively a tense situation.

How do you pronounce “defuse”?

“Defuse” is pronounced dee-FYOOZ (/diːˈfjuːz/ in IPA).

How do you use “defuse” in a sentence?

Here is “defuse” used in a sentence: “The bomb squad managed to defuse the device safely.”

What part of speech is “defuse”?

“Defuse” is a verb.

How many meanings does “defuse” have?

“Defuse” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to remove the fuse or detonator from an explosive device.