to defuse
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to defuse
To make a dangerous object, especially a bomb or mine, harmless by removing or deactivating the ignition mechanism.
Ein Spezialist des Kampfmittelräumdienstes konnte die Fliegerbombe aus dem Zweiten Weltkrieg entschärfen.
A bomb disposal specialist was able to defuse the World War II aerial bomb.
to defuse
To calm a tense situation, conflict, or dispute and reduce its intensity or danger.
Mit ein paar ruhigen Worten versuchte er, die hitzige Diskussion zu entschärfen.
With a few calm words, he tried to defuse the heated discussion.
to soften
To make a rule, law, or wording less strict, harsh, or provocative.
Nach öffentlicher Kritik wurde der Gesetzesentwurf in einigen Punkten entschärft.
After public criticism, the draft law was softened on several points.
The verb consists of the prefix 'ent-' (away, un-) and the verb 'schärfen' (to sharpen). Literally, it means to make something 'unsharp', that is, to remove its danger or harshness. The verb is inseparable.
Er versuchte, seine scharfe Kritik etwas zu entschärfen.
He tried to soften his sharp criticism a little.
The verb has a literal meaning (to make a bomb harmless) and figurative meanings. The object reveals the meaning: an explosive device is literally 'entschärft' (defused), while a conflict or law is 'entschärft' (defused/softened) in a figurative sense.
Der Fund der alten Bombe musste sofort gemeldet werden, damit man sie entschärfen konnte.
The discovery of the old bomb had to be reported immediately so that it could be defused.
In the figurative sense, 'entschärfen' (to defuse) is often combined with abstract nouns that describe tension. Common combinations are 'eine Situation entschärfen' (to defuse a situation), 'einen Konflikt entschärfen' (to defuse a conflict), or 'einen Streit entschärfen' (to defuse an argument).
Die Polizei versuchte, die angespannte Lage vor dem Stadion zu entschärfen.
The police tried to defuse the tense situation in front of the stadium.
When it comes to laws, rules, or wording, 'entschärfen' means to make them less strict or provocative. Typical objects are 'ein Gesetz' (a law), 'eine Vorschrift' (a regulation), or 'eine Aussage' (a statement).
Die Regierung hat den umstrittenen Gesetzentwurf nach Protesten entschärft.
The government softened the controversial draft law after protests.
to relax
Both words can describe a tense conflict situation. Entspannen emphasizes reducing tension and calming things down, while entschärfen places greater emphasis on reducing an impending danger or escalation. Use entspannen for greater calm and entschärfen for less threat.
Ein ruhiges Gespräch konnte den drohenden Streit zwischen den Nachbarn entschärfen.
A calm conversation was able to defuse the impending dispute between the neighbors.
Ein ruhiges Gespräch konnte die angespannte Stimmung zwischen den Nachbarn entspannen.
A calm conversation was able to ease the tense mood between the neighbors.
