defuse conflict

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defuse conflict" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe an action taken to minimize tension or disagreement between people. For example, "The mediator tried to defuse the conflict between the two countries by proposing a solution they both could agree to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Nonlethal equipment and additional special negotiators were deployed to help defuse conflict situations.

The New Yorker

"He constantly sought to defuse conflict, to clear the path for seeing the best in others," she said.

The New York Times

Sweden's consensus-orientated political model now tends to defuse conflict even in proud cities with a liking for mavericks.

The Guardian

Being upfront about his intentions seems to defuse conflict with authorities, he says, if only because it so thoroughly confuses them.

The New York Times - Magazine

To do this it wants to equip as many people as possible with the skills and confidence to make immediate brief interventions to defuse conflict.

The Guardian

She showed slides of bonobos, including one captioned "MAKE LOVE NOT WAR," and said that the apes, which she described as "bisexual," engaged in various kinds of sexual activity in order to defuse conflict and maintain a tranquil society.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Patricia Leigh Brown and Jim Wilson document an alternative discipline program in Oakland, Calif., called restorative justice that helps students learn from crises and defuse conflicts in the article "Opening Up, Students Transform a Vicious Circle" and the related slide show "Defusing Conflict in Schools".

The New York Times

The members of Unasur, a fledgling South American political union, set up a defence council intended to defuse conflicts.

The Economist

Thompson discovered that the most effective source of power in volatile situations was not a weapon or fists but words -- conversational tactics that defuse conflicts.

Columbia University

If a full-fledged war breaks out, "both sides will run out of money soon," said E J Hogendoorn, an analyst for the International Crisis Group, which works to defuse conflicts.

The New York Times

Thanks to high gate fees, teenagers could not easily roam the grounds of these parks, and the parks's well-trained staff helped defuse conflicts.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defuse conflict", consider the context and ensure that the focus is on preventing escalation or reducing tension, rather than resolving the underlying issue completely.

Common error

Avoid using "defuse conflict" when the situation requires a complete resolution. This phrase suggests a temporary reduction in tension, not a permanent fix.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "defuse conflict" is as a verb phrase followed by a noun. It describes the action of reducing tension or preventing escalation in a contentious situation. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage, supported by various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "defuse conflict" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that effectively describes the act of reducing tension or preventing escalation in a dispute. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is appropriate across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic settings. While alternative phrases like "resolve conflict" or "mitigate conflict" exist, "defuse conflict" specifically emphasizes preventing a situation from worsening. Remember to consider the desired outcome and context when choosing this phrase to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defuse confrontation

Similar to "defuse conflict", but more specifically refers to preventing a hostile meeting or situation from escalating.

resolve conflict

Focuses on finding a solution to an existing conflict, rather than just preventing it from escalating.

mitigate conflict

Implies lessening the severity or impact of a conflict, similar to defusing it.

de-escalate conflict

Specifically refers to reducing the intensity of a conflict that is already in progress.

quell conflict

Suggests suppressing or subduing a conflict, often with a stronger sense of force or authority.

alleviate conflict

Emphasizes the reduction of pain or negative effects associated with a conflict.

ease conflict

Suggests making a conflict less intense or problematic, implying a gentle approach.

assuage conflict

Focuses on pacifying or appeasing parties involved in a conflict, often by addressing their concerns.

defuse controversy

Focuses on reducing the intensity of a public dispute or disagreement.

diffuse conflict

Suggests spreading out or lessening the concentration of a conflict, reducing its intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "defuse conflict" in a sentence?

You can use "defuse conflict" to describe actions taken to reduce tension or prevent escalation. For example, "The negotiator tried to "defuse conflict" by suggesting a compromise".

What are some alternatives to "defuse conflict"?

Alternatives include "resolve conflict", "mitigate conflict", or "de-escalate conflict", depending on the specific context.

Is "defuse conflict" formal or informal?

"Defuse conflict" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as it's a commonly understood phrase in various settings.

What's the difference between "defuse conflict" and "resolve conflict"?

"Defuse conflict" implies preventing a situation from escalating or reducing immediate tension, while "resolve conflict" suggests finding a complete and lasting solution to the underlying problem.