Definitions

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun The act of deactivating or making ineffective (as a bomb).

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • verb Present participle of defuse.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun the act of deactivating or making ineffective (as a bomb)

Etymologies

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Examples

  • Currency markets resumed their intense downward pressure on the U.S. dollar, further lifting currencies of emerging markets, with few signs that global financial officials made progress in defusing tensions in last weekend 's talks in Washington

    This Week: Mortgage Mess, Chilean Glory, Ask and Tell 2010

  • Currency markets, seeing few signs global financial officials made progress in defusing tensions in last weekend 's talks in Washington, Thursday resumed their seemingly relentless determination to push down the U.S. dollar, particularly against currencies of emerging markets.

    Emerging-Market Currencies Soar David Wessel 2010

  • Though short on details, the informal agreement on exchange rates is seen as a step forward in defusing tensions that could lead to protectionism and possible trade wars.

    G20 Vows To Ease Tensions over Currencies 2010

  • As an African American, she might also have an advantage in defusing some of the racial tensions that dogged Rhee.

    DeMorning DeBonis: Oct. 14, 2010 Mike DeBonis 2010

  • Diffuse means being spread over an area; defuse means rendering something harmless, as in defusing a bomb.

    Deceptively simple story works for visceral “The Hurt Locker” » Scene-Stealers 2009

  • As an African American, she might also have an advantage in defusing some of the racial tensions that dogged Rhee, whose support was strongest in predominantly white neighborhoods.

    Gray vows to continue reforms in D.C. schools Tim Craig 2010

  • While Stevenson — who, as UN ambassador under JFK, would play a crucial role in defusing the missile crisis — was on the stump, a woman stood up and declared, “All thinking people should vote for Governor Stevenson!”

    Letters to the Editor 2008

  • While Stevenson — who, as UN ambassador under JFK, would play a crucial role in defusing the missile crisis — was on the stump, a woman stood up and declared, “All thinking people should vote for Governor Stevenson!”

    Letters to the Editor 2008

  • Paige and Paige claim that male circumcision originally functioned as a vehicle for attempting to achieve by means of ritual what could not be accomplished by means of political arrangement: that is, the defusing of possible competitive claims by male progeny for the same limited resources.

    Miriam Pollack: Circumcision: Identity, Gender And Power Miriam Pollack 2011

  • Paige and Paige claim that male circumcision originally functioned as a vehicle for attempting to achieve by means of ritual what could not be accomplished by means of political arrangement: that is, the defusing of possible competitive claims by male progeny for the same limited resources.

    Miriam Pollack: Circumcision: Identity, Gender And Power Miriam Pollack 2011

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