1. past tense of defuse; to remove the fuse from (a bomb or explosive device) to prevent it from detonating
Usage: often used in military or law-enforcement contexts
2. past tense of defuse; to reduce the tension or danger in (a situation or conflict)
Usage: figurative use; common in everyday contexts

Examples

• The bomb squad defuzed the device before it could explode.
• She defuzed the argument by apologizing and listening to his concerns.
• The negotiator defuzed the tense standoff with calm words.
• After the explosion was prevented, the officer who defuzed the bomb became a local hero.
• He defuzed the awkward situation with a well-timed joke.
• The mediator defuzed the conflict between the two companies.