1. to remove the fuse from (a bomb or explosive device) to make it harmless
2. to make (a tense or dangerous situation) less harmful or likely to cause trouble

Examples

• The bomb squad carefully defused the explosive device.
• Police officers worked to defuse the dangerous situation.
• She tried to defuse the argument between her friends.
• The mediator helped defuse tensions between the two groups.
• His joke helped defuse the awkward moment.
• The diplomat’s speech was designed to defuse international tensions.
• Emergency responders defused the bomb before it could explode.