defuse

 
Pronunciation: /diːˈfjuːz/

verb

[with object]
  • remove the fuse from (an explosive device) in order to prevent it from exploding: explosives specialists tried to defuse the grenade
  • make (a situation) less tense or dangerous: a scheme that teaches officers how to defuse potentially explosive situations

On the potential confusion between defuse and diffuse, see diffuse (usage).