defuse

3 definitions found

defuse - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  defuse \de*fuse"\ (d[-e]*f[=u]z"), v. t. [Cf. Diffuse.]
     1. To disorder; to make shapeless. [Obs.] --Shak.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. To remove the fuse from; to deactivate (a bomb or other
        explosive device) or make it ineffective.
  
     Syn: deactivate.
          [WordNet 1.5 +PJC]
  
     3. To make less dangerous; as, to defuse a tense
        confrontation between demonstrators and police.
        [PJC]

defuse - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  defuse
      v 1: remove the triggering device from [ant: fuse]

defuse - Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0 :

  18 Moby Thesaurus words for "defuse":
     allay, appease, calm, conciliate, cool, dulcify, lay, lay the dust,
     mollify, pacify, placate, pour balm on, propitiate, smooth,
     smooth down, smooth over, soothe, tranquilize