Definitions and Examples of defuse, disarm
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To remove the fuse or other detonating device from (an explosive).
Example
The bomb squad was able to defuse the bomb before it exploded.
Example
The mediator was able to defuse the tension between the two parties.
To take weapons away from someone or a group of people.
Example
The police were able to disarm the suspect without any violence.
Example
The bomb squad was able to disarm the bomb before it exploded.
Key Differences: defuse vs disarm
- 1Defuse refers to removing the fuse or other detonating device from an explosive, while disarm refers to removing the weapons or explosives from a person or device.
- 2Defuse can also mean making a situation less tense or dangerous, while disarm does not have this additional meaning.
Effective Usage of defuse, disarm
- 1Security: Use defuse and disarm in security contexts to refer to preventing explosive devices from exploding.
- 2Conflict Resolution: Use defuse in situations where tensions are high to describe calming the situation down.
- 3Military: Use disarm in military contexts to describe taking weapons or explosives away from an enemy.
Remember this!
The antonyms defuse and disarm both refer to preventing an explosive device from exploding, but defuse specifically refers to removing the detonating device, while disarm refers to removing weapons or explosives. Use these words in security, conflict resolution, and military contexts.