DEFUSE

defuse

(verb) remove the triggering device from

Source: WordNet® 3.1

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Etymology 1

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) To make less dangerous, tense, or hostile.

Usage notes

The words defuse and diffuse are sometimes confused.

Etymology 2

Verb

defuse (third-person singular simple present defuses, present participle defusing, simple past and past participle defused)

(obsolete) To disorder; to make shapeless.

Source: Wiktionary

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De*fuse", v. t. Etym: [Cf. Diffuse.]

Definition: To disorder; to make shapeless. [Obs.] Shak.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

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