Basic Details
Word: Defuse
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To make a dangerous situation less tense or to remove a bomb's fuse.
Synonyms: Disarm, pacify, alleviate
Antonyms: Aggravate, escalate, provoke
Idioms and Phrases
- Defuse a situation: To calm a tense argument or conflict. Example: "The teacher tried to defuse the situation between the two students before it got out of hand."
- Defuse the tension: To reduce stress or anxiety in a group. Example: "They managed to defuse the tension at the meeting by sharing a funny story."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The negotiator worked hard to defuse the conflict between the two countries.
Example 2: To defuse the prank, he quickly explained that it was all in good fun.
Example 3: The expert was called in to defuse the bomb safely before it could explode.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the term "defuse" originally comes from the practice of removing the fuse from explosives, making them safe? It has since broadened to also mean calming tense situations.
Famous Quote
"Peace is not merely the absence of war. It is also a state of mind where we can defuse the pressures around us." – Anonymous
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "defuse" mean?
a) To make a situation worse
b) To make a situation less tense
c) To create trouble
d) To ignore a problem
Answer: b) To make a situation less tense
2. Which of these is a synonym of "defuse"?
a) Aggravate
b) Pacify
c) Provoke
d) Escalate
Answer: b) Pacify
3. Which of these is an antonym of "defuse"?
a) Disarm
b) Alleviate
c) Aggravate
d) Calm
Answer: c) Aggravate
4. Which sentence uses "defuse" correctly?
a) She tried to defuse the situation by shouting louder.
b) He wanted to defuse the tension before it turned into a fight.
c) They decided to defuse the project instead of working on it.
d) You should always defuse your homework on time.
Answer: b) He wanted to defuse the tension before it turned into a fight.
5. Which idiom means to calm a tense situation?
a) Defuse the situation
b) Make a mountain out of a molehill
c) Let sleeping dogs lie
d) Get a taste of your own medicine
Answer: a) Defuse the situation
