Many people find it difficult to remember the difference between defuse and diffuse, and when faced with the need for one of these words simply grab whichever one first comes to mind. But it needn’t be this way: the meanings of these two are quite a bit different, and there is a simple way to differentiate between them. Defuse is formed by adding the prefix de- to the word fuse; you are removing the fuse (either literally or figuratively) when you defuse a situation, much as defanging something entails removing the fangs. Diffuse, when used as a verb, tends to carry meanings such as “spread” or “scatter.” Additionally, diffuse is the only one which may be found used as an adjective.
Example Sentences
Skilled negotiators helped defuse the crisis.
Recent Examples on the WebPolice were summoned to help defuse the situation and DOGM pulled out its equipment. Brian Maffly, The Salt Lake Tribune, 13 Sep. 2022 Instead, defuse the interaction by acting on insight and attempt to make your own needs known in a calm, non-confrontational way. Olivia Muenter, Woman's Day, 14 June 2022 Mello was quickly surrounded by angry attendees and Rourke — one of the organizers of the event, and candidate for a state Senate seat in Warwick’s District 29 — rushed over to try to defuse the situation. Alexa Gagosz, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Aug. 2022 On Sunday after getting hit, Winker was already exchanging words with the Angels’ dugout, before plate umpire John Bacon and Johnson could try to defuse the situation. Sarah Valenzuela, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2022 As companies across industries confront new cybersecurity challenges, security teams face increasing pressure to defuse more threats with the same amount of resources. Andrew Hollister, Forbes, 6 May 2022 Many observers have questioned the EU’s ability to permanently defuse tensions in the region without a more active involvement by the U.S., which has in recent years shifted its focus away from Europe. Bojan Pancevski, WSJ, 1 Aug. 2022 At the time, Rourke was seen in video footage, which was captured by a Globe reporter and others, as trying to defuse another assault that did not involve her or Lugo. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 28 June 2022 Geavauntae Sherman, 22, was trying to defuse an argument at a birthday party for two of his little sisters when he was fatally shot in Raymond Park Monday night, another sister said.oregonlive, 22 June 2022 See More