defuse — defuse, diffuse It is surprising how often diffuse (correctly = to disperse) is used for defuse in its figurative meaning ‘to remove tension or potential danger from (a crisis, etc.)’. Examples of this wrong use are: • An early cut in base rates … Modern English usage
diffuse — defuse, diffuse It is surprising how often diffuse (correctly = to disperse) is used for defuse in its figurative meaning ‘to remove tension or potential danger from (a crisis, etc.)’. Examples of this wrong use are: • An early cut in base rates … Modern English usage
defuse — ► VERB 1) remove the fuse from (an explosive device) in order to prevent it from exploding. 2) reduce the danger or tension in (a difficult situation). USAGE The verbs defuse and diffuse have different meanings but are often confused. Defuse… … English terms dictionary
defuse — , diffuse Occasionally confused. Defuse means to make less harmful; diffuse means to spread thinly … Bryson’s dictionary for writers and editors
defuse — de*fuse (d[ e]*f[=u]z ), v. t. [Cf. {Diffuse}.] 1. To disorder; to make shapeless. [Obs.] Shak. [1913 Webster] 2. To remove the fuse from; to deactivate (a bomb or other explosive device) or make it ineffective. Syn: deactivate. [WordNet 1.5… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
diffuse — ► VERB 1) spread over a wide area. 2) Physics (of a gas or liquid) travel or spread by diffusion. ► ADJECTIVE 1) spread out over a large area; not concentrated. 2) lacking clarity or conciseness. DERIVATIVES diffusely adverb … English terms dictionary
diffuse — verb dɪ fju:z spread over a wide area. ↘Physics intermingle with another substance by movement of particles. adjective dɪ fju:s 1》 spread out over a large area; not concentrated. ↘(of disease) not localized in the body. 2》 lacking clarity or… … English new terms dictionary
defuse — /diˈfjuz / (say dee fyoohz) verb (t) (defused, defusing) 1. to remove the fuse from (a bomb). 2. to calm (a situation or action). Usage: The verb defuse is commonly confused with the adjective diffuse, particularly in the past participial form …
diffuse — To spread out; not to be confused with defuse, meaning to make safe … Bryson’s dictionary for writers and editors
diffusely — diffuse ► VERB 1) spread over a wide area. 2) Physics (of a gas or liquid) travel or spread by diffusion. ► ADJECTIVE 1) spread out over a large area; not concentrated. 2) lacking clarity or conciseness. DERIVATIVES diffusely adverb … English terms dictionary
