defuse the situation

USAGE SUMMARY

"defuse the situation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in any situation where you are trying to make a tense or uncomfortable situation less tense or uncomfortable. For example, "The two sides were starting to argue, but I was able to defuse the situation by suggesting we all take a break."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They helped to defuse the situation.

The Economist

A simple conversation can defuse the situation".

The Guardian

So what can Elizabeth do to defuse the situation unilaterally?

Harvard Business Review

To defuse the situation, Mr. Gibbs sought to use humor.

The New York Times

Davids has appeared keen to defuse the situation.

The Guardian - Sport

"I thought it would help defuse the situation".

The New York Times

It can keep tensions from escalating and may help defuse the situation.

Columbia University

Mr. Hidayat's attempt to defuse the situation with a meeting at Maxima's offices was a failure.

The New York Times

I guess I was looking for a way to defuse the situation".

The Guardian - Sport

If the marriages are valid with her deputies' signature, then that will probably defuse the situation.

The New Yorker

The official tried to contact officers to help "defuse the situation," Mr. Williams said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defuse the situation", consider the specific context and choose actions that directly address the root cause of the tension. For instance, active listening and empathy can be effective tools.

Common error

Avoid using "defuse the situation" in extremely casual or informal conversations. Simpler terms like "calm things down" or "sort it out" might be more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defuse the situation" functions as a verb phrase typically used with an object. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in diverse contexts to describe actions taken to alleviate tension or prevent conflict escalation, as seen in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "defuse the situation" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that describes actions taken to alleviate tension or prevent conflict escalation. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and finds frequent application across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, academia, and formal business settings. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for various communication styles, while related phrases such as "de-escalate the situation" and "resolve the issue" offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings with subtle differences in nuance. Therefore, use "defuse the situation" when aiming to communicate actions that directly address and mitigate tension in a specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

De-escalate the situation

Highlights reducing the intensity or severity of the situation, suggesting a step-by-step approach.

Resolve the situation

Highlights finding a solution or ending the problem, focusing on the outcome.

Ease the situation

Suggests making the situation less difficult or tense, implying a gradual improvement.

Defuse the conflict

Specifically addresses conflict, suggesting the removal of elements that fuel antagonism.

Soothe the situation

Focuses on calming and easing tensions, implying a gentle approach to resolution.

Neutralize the situation

Implies rendering the situation harmless or ineffective, removing its power to cause damage.

Pacify the situation

Focuses on bringing peace and tranquility, emphasizing calming agitated parties.

Quell the situation

Emphasizes suppressing or subduing a problem, suggesting a more forceful intervention.

Mitigate the situation

Implies lessening the negative effects or consequences, focusing on damage control.

Alleviate the situation

Focuses on providing relief from distress or difficulty, suggesting a temporary improvement.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "defuse the situation" in a sentence?

Use "defuse the situation" to describe actions taken to reduce tension or prevent escalation in a conflict. For example, "The mediator was able to "defuse the situation" by encouraging open communication between the parties involved."

What are some alternative ways to say "defuse the situation"?

Alternatives include "resolve the issue", "de-escalate the situation", or "calm things down", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to try to "defuse the situation"?

While it's generally beneficial to de-escalate conflicts, there are situations where directly addressing the underlying problem or allowing natural consequences to unfold might be more effective in the long run.

What's the difference between "defuse the situation" and "solve the problem"?

"Defuse the situation" focuses on immediately reducing tension and preventing escalation, whereas "solve the problem" aims to address the root cause and find a lasting resolution, often requiring more in-depth analysis and action.