defuse
v. C1 Advanced US //dɪfˈjuz// UK //dɪfjˈuːz// defuse
v. to make a dangerous situation less tense or less likely to cause a fight. It can also mean to remove the fuse from a bomb to stop it from exploding.
v. to remove the fuse from a bomb or explosive device to prevent detonation; by extension, to reduce the intensity or danger of a volatile situation. Transitive — requires a direct object.
The negotiator worked hard to defuse the situation.
The police arrived quickly to defuse the bomb before it could cause any damage to the building.
A skilled diplomat must know how to defuse a crisis by addressing the underlying grievances before they escalate into a full-scale conflict.
From de- + fuse.
Compare diffuse.