defuses
Renders harmless, explosively
Defuses is the verb defuse in third-person singular present tense.
To defuse is literally to remove the fuse from an explosive device, rendering it harmless: The bomb squad defused the device.
More commonly, it means to reduce tension or prevent a volatile situation from escalating: Her humor defuses awkward moments.
A well-timed apology defuses conflict before it spreads.
Explosive ordnance responders
- neutralizeCancel an effect
- detonatorExplosive initiation device
- wire cuttersTool for severing metal strands
- deminingRemoving buried explosives
blast suit · controlled explosion · minefield · ordnance · unexploded ordnance · mine clearance · tripwire · deactivate
Discussion seeking mutual accord
- diplomacyNegotiation between nations
- mediationIntervention to resolve conflict
- conciliationResolving disputes through dialogue
- compromiseAgreement through mutual sacrifice
dialogue · restraint · patience · understanding · empathy · communication · cooperation · intervention
Free from agitation
- sootheGently ease discomfort
- placateLessen someone's anger
- reassureEase someone's doubts
- alleviateLessen pain or trouble
ease · settle · comfort · relieve · temper · frustration · anxiety · panic
Humorous statement seeking laughter
- laughterVocal expression of amusement
- witClever, inventive humor
- levityLack of seriousness
- comic reliefHumor easing dramatic tension
icebreaker · quip · self-deprecation · lighten up · charm · playfulness · banter · timing
bomb squad
Explosive ordnance responders
- neutralizeCancel an effect
- detonatorExplosive initiation device
- wire cuttersTool for severing metal strands
demining · blast suit · controlled explosion · minefield · ordnance · unexploded ordnance · mine clearance · tripwire · deactivate · IED
negotiation
Discussion seeking mutual accord
- diplomacyNegotiation between nations
- mediationIntervention to resolve conflict
- conciliationResolving disputes through dialogue
compromise · dialogue · restraint · patience · understanding · empathy · communication · cooperation · intervention · peacemaking
calm
Free from agitation
alleviate · ease · settle · comfort · relieve · temper · frustration · anxiety · panic · outburst
joke
Humorous statement seeking laughter
comic relief · icebreaker · quip · self-deprecation · lighten up · charm · playfulness · banter · timing · punchline
defusesescalates
Increases in intensity
inflames · incites · aggravates · exacerbates · provokes
defusesendangers
Puts in peril
destabilizes · imperils · threatens · jeopardizes · compromises