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defuse. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
defuse, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
defuse in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
defuse you have here. The definition of the word
defuse will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
defuse, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology 1
From de- + fuse.
Pronunciation
Verb
defuse (third-person singular simple present defuses, present participle defusing, simple past and past participle defused)
- (transitive) To remove the fuse from (a bomb, etc.).
- (transitive, figurative) To make less dangerous, tense, or hostile.
- to defuse a hostage situation
Usage notes
The words defuse and diffuse are sometimes confused.
Translations
to remove the fuse from a bomb
to make something less dangerous
Etymology 2
Compare diffuse.
Pronunciation
Verb
defuse (third-person singular simple present defuses, present participle defusing, simple past and past participle defused)
- (obsolete) To disorder; to make shapeless.
c. 1603–1606, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of King Lear”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies (First Folio), London: Isaac Iaggard, and Ed Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, , line 2:If but as well I other accents borrow / That can my speech defuse,