defuse

Verb

Verb Forms: defused, defusing, defuses

To remove the fuse from an explosive device, making it safe.
remove the triggering device from
To remove the fuse from (e.g. a bomb).
To make less dangerous, tense, or hostile.
To disorder; to make shapeless.

Examples

He had to carefully defuse the tense silence at the table by making a lighthearted play.
to defuse a hostage situation

Origin / Etymology

From de- + fuse.

Antonyms

fuse

Scrabble Score: 10

defuse: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
defuse: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
defuse: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 11

defuse: valid Words With Friends Word