defuse
UK[ˌdiːˈfjuːz]US[ˌdiːˈfjuːz]
v
To remove the fuse from a bomb or other explosive device to prevent it from exploding.
v
To make a dangerous or tense situation calmer or less harmful.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
fuse
de
remove
fuse
a cord for igniting an explosive
Etymology
The word 'defuse' is a modern English formation, combining the Latin-derived prefix 'de-' with the noun 'fuse'. The term 'fuse' for an igniting cord entered English in the 17th century from Italian fuso (spindle), likely because early fuses were cords wound on a spindle-like device. The literal, physical meaning of 'defuse'—to remove the fuse from an explosive—emerged logically from this combination. Over time, the term underwent a powerful semantic extension, applying metaphorically to the act of removing the "igniting element" from any tense or volatile situation, thereby preventing a figurative explosion.
Analysis
Structure: de (remove) + fuse (a cord for igniting an explosive)
de: A prefix from Latin, meaning "off, away, down, completely," indicating removal or reversal.
fuse: From Latin fusus ("spindle"), via Italian fuso ("spindle, fuse"), referring to a cord impregnated with combustible material for igniting an explosive.
Examples
The bomb squad worked quickly to defuse the device.
The manager's calm intervention helped to defuse the argument between the two colleagues.
Diplomats are attempting to defuse the international crisis through negotiation.