defuse conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defuse conversation" is not correct in English; the correct term is "defuse a situation" or "defuse tension." You can use it when referring to calming down a tense or potentially explosive discussion or argument.
Example: "To prevent the argument from escalating, she tried to defuse the conversation by changing the subject."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And learn to defuse difficult conversations or arguments rather than adding fuel to them––by being a non-violent communicator, you can help people to reach compromises and understandings instead of retreating to lick their wounds, only to come back even fiercer next time.

WikiHow

A simple conversation can defuse the situation".

The Guardian

Like Chekhov in those famous anecdotes, who put his nervous provincial visitors at ease by asking them about pie-baking and the local school system, he defused the tension by turning the conversation to us.

The Guardian - Books

The honest and heated conversations are to release and defuse the anger, the fun and games are to bond and create new friendships.

Huffington Post

Defuse: It can help to realize that the side of a conversation that contains the most truth will always win out, and it's best to "name the game" that an impossible person is playing, usually by asking them or the group a question that starts "Why... ........ (rephrasing their "impossible" position to illuminate the consequences).

WikiHow

One thing the Europeans want from Powell, though, is assurance that the United States is doing what it can to defuse the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and Powell calls regularly with reports on his conversations with Prime Minister Sharon, Foreign Minister Peres and Yasir Arafat.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Our ability to offer empathy can allow us to stay vulnerable, defuse potential violence, help us hear the word "no" without taking it as a rejection, revive a lifeless conversation, and even hear the feelings and needs expressed through silence.

Huffington Post

But what was clear, in conversations behind the smoldering truck tires and the barricades of overturned cars, is that this will now be a very tricky situation to defuse and forget.

The New York Times - Sports

They helped to defuse the situation.

The Economist

We must defuse this conflict.

The New York Times

Cuadrilla is trying to defuse the opposition.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "defuse the situation" or "ease the tension in the conversation" instead of "defuse conversation". This ensures grammatical correctness and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "conversation" as the direct object of "defuse". The verb "defuse" typically applies to situations, tensions, or conflicts, not conversations themselves.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defuse conversation" is grammatically questionable. The verb defuse typically takes objects like "situation", "tension", or "conflict". While understandable, it's not standard English. Ludwig AI confirms its incorrectness.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "defuse conversation" is not grammatically correct in standard English. Ludwig AI identifies it as incorrect, advising against its use. Instead, it's more appropriate to use phrases like ""defuse the situation"", ""ease the tension in the conversation"", or ""calm the conversation"". While the meaning might be understood contextually, using the correct phrasing ensures clarity and grammatical accuracy. Therefore, avoid using "defuse conversation" in both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defuse the situation

Focuses on the overall situation rather than the conversation itself, which is grammatically more accurate.

ease the tension in the conversation

Replaces "defuse" with "ease the tension" to better fit the context of a conversation.

calm the conversation

Uses a more direct verb, "calm", to describe the action on the conversation.

de-escalate the situation

Emphasizes reducing the intensity of the situation, similar to defusing it.

smooth over the conversation

Implies making the conversation less problematic or tense.

mitigate the conflict

Highlights reducing the negative impact of a conflicting conversation.

tone down the discussion

Suggests reducing the intensity or aggressiveness of the discussion.

resolve the tension in the discussion

Focuses on resolving the underlying tension affecting the conversation.

defuse the argument

Specifically targets an argument, implying a heated exchange.

pacify the discussion

Implies bringing peace or calm to a potentially agitated discussion.

FAQs

Is "defuse conversation" grammatically correct?

No, "defuse conversation" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrasing is to "defuse the situation" or "ease the tension in the conversation".

What does it mean to "defuse a situation"?

To ""defuse the situation"" means to reduce or eliminate the tension or danger in a potentially explosive or harmful situation. It implies calming things down and preventing escalation.

What can I say instead of "defuse conversation"?

Instead of "defuse conversation", you can say "calm the conversation", "ease the tension in the conversation", or "de-escalate the situation".

How to use "defuse the situation" in a sentence?

You can use ""defuse the situation"" in a sentence like this: "Her calm demeanor helped to defuse the situation before it escalated into a full-blown argument."