http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/psywar/conversations/topics/2532dif·fused:
To make less brilliant; soften.
de·fused: to remove the cause of tension from (a
crisis, etc.)
to make less dangerous, tense, hostile, or embarrassing: to
defuse a tense situation.
'a diplomatic move that defused the international
crisis.'
Kerry Floats a Deal on Chem-Weapons; Russia & Syria Seize
It