defuse

/diːˈfjuːz/ (bre, ipa) · /diːˈfjuːz/ (ame, ipa) · /(ˌ)dē-ˈfyüz/ (ame, mw)

defuse — verb

  • defusepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • defuseshe / she / it
  • defusedpast simple
  • defusing-ing form

1. to work on a bomb, mine, or similar device so that it can no longer go off, usua

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to work on a bomb, mine, or similar device so that it can no longer go off, usually by taking out the part that triggers the explosion.

例句

Cyrus carefully defused the bomb hidden under the wooden bridge.

defuse + [the bomb]: classic direct-object pattern

Army engineers spent three hours defusing an old landmine in the field.

defuse + [landmine/explosive device]

同義詞
  • disarm

    near-synonym for bombs; also used for people carrying weapons

  • deactivate

    more technical; covers any device including alarms and machines

反義詞
  • detonate

    to set off the bomb on purpose

  • arm

    to make a bomb ready to explode

文法句型

defuse + [bomb/device/mine]

用法筆記

Object is usually a physical explosive device (bomb, mine, shell, grenade); often used in the passive when reporting on incidents.

常見錯誤

❌The firefighter defused the fire in the kitchen.
✅The firefighter put out the fire in the kitchen.
💡'defuse' only applies to bombs and similar devices, not to fires.

2. to take the heat or danger out of a tense or risky moment, often by saying or do

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to take the heat or danger out of a tense or risky moment, often by saying or doing something that helps people feel less angry or worried.

例句

Iris told a quick joke to defuse the tension at the family dinner.

defuse + tension: most common abstract object

The teacher stepped in to defuse the argument between the two students.

defuse + an argument

同義詞
  • ease

    softer; works for any kind of difficulty, not just conflict

  • calm

    focuses on emotion; often used with people (calm someone down) as well as situations

  • soothe

    warmer, more personal; usually applied to feelings or hurt people

反義詞
  • inflame

    to make a tense situation worse

  • escalate

    to push a conflict to a more serious level

文法句型

defuse + [tension/situation/argument]

用法筆記

Object is an abstract noun naming the tension itself (tension, argument, row, situation, crisis, conflict, anger). Distinguish from sense 1: here nothing physical is being touched; the action is verbal or behavioural.

常見錯誤

❌She defused her sadness by going for a walk.
✅She eased her sadness by going for a walk.
💡'defuse' needs an interpersonal or group tension, not a single person's quiet feelings.