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.
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 calm
'beruhigen' and 'entschärfen' can both fit in a tense situation. 'beruhigen' sounds more general and can refer to people or to a situation. 'entschärfen' is used especially when a conflict, argument, or dangerous situation becomes less intense or less risky. Learners may confuse the words because both describe the result of 'less tension'. However, 'entschärfen' emphasizes more strongly that you are taking the danger or sharpness out of the situation.
Mit einer kurzen Entschuldigung entschärft der Chef den Streit im Team.
With a brief apology, the boss defuses the argument in the team.
Vor dem Termin beruhigt Anna ihre Nachbarin, weil alles gut vorbereitet ist.
Before the appointment, Anna reassures her neighbor because everything is well prepared.