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Defusing: meaning, definitions and examples

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defusing

 

[ dɪˈfjuzɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

removing danger

Defusing refers to the process of rendering something less dangerous or tense, particularly in the context of an explosive device or a heated situation. It involves taking necessary steps to neutralize a threat or mitigate a problem, allowing for safe resolution.

Synonyms

calming, de-escalating, disarming, neutralizing

Examples of usage

  • The bomb squad is skilled at defusing explosives.
  • She managed to defuse the argument between her friends.
  • The officer focused on defusing the tense situation at the protest.

Translations

Translations of the word "defusing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desarmar

🇮🇳 निष्क्रिय करना

🇩🇪 entschärfen

🇮🇩 menonaktifkan

🇺🇦 нейтралізація

🇵🇱 rozbrajanie

🇯🇵 無力化する

🇫🇷 désarmer

🇪🇸 desactivar

🇹🇷 etkisiz hale getirme

🇰🇷 무력화하다

🇸🇦 إبطال مفعول

🇨🇿 zneškodnění

🇸🇰 neutrálizovanie

🇨🇳 拆除

🇸🇮 razstreliti

🇮🇸 óvirkja

🇰🇿 жою

🇬🇪 აღმოჩენა

🇦🇿 zərərsizləşdirmək

🇲🇽 desactivar

Word origin

The term 'defuse' combines the prefix 'de-' indicating removal or reversal, and 'fuse', which originally comes from the Latin 'fusus', meaning 'to pour' or 'to melt'. In a military context, 'fuse' refers to the mechanism that ignites explosives. The verb 'defuse' emerged in the early 20th century, initially used in the context of handling explosives safely. Over time, it expanded in meaning to encompass strategies for calming down conflicts and de-escalating tensions in various scenarios, including interpersonal disputes and negotiations.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,747 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.