GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found one definition

1.       
   defuse , v. t. [Cf. Diffuse.]
   To disorder; to make shapeless. [Obs.]
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
   To remove the fuse from; to deactivate (a bomb or other explosive device) or make it ineffective.
   Syn. -- deactivate.
   WordNet 1.5
   +PJC
   To make less dangerous; as, to defuse a tense confrontation between demonstrators and police.
   PJC