Толковый словарь английского языка Oxford English Reference - defuse

v.tr. 1 remove the fuse from (an explosive device). 2 reduce the tension or potential danger in (a crisis, difficulty, etc.). DEFY v.tr. (-ies, -ied) 1 resist openly; refuse to obey. 2 (of a thing) present insuperable obstacles to (defies solution). 3 (foll. by to + infin.) challenge (a person) to do or prove something. 4 archaic challenge to combat. Etymology: ME f. OF defier f. Rmc (as DIS-, L fidus faithful)