Defuse/diffuse a situation?

[RustyBear]

I've always assumed it was defuse, but I've seen two people on a thread use 'diffuse'
(I don't want to ask them as I think that particular thread needs to sink into oblivion...)

[popsycal]

the second one

[MargaretMountford]

diffuse I think...

[RustyBear]

But diffuse means to 'spread out', whereas defuse means to make safe, so I'd think defuse would be more approriate.

[Wezzle]

defuse....diffuse means to disperse

[MargaretMountford]

but wouldn't you spread out an argument ie. smooth it all out ? actually,I have no idea but defuse looked odd on first reading

[barnstaple]

diffuse is to spread something, so smoke can be described as diffuse when they have spread into your bedroom from next door' barbecue. Defuse is to remove the triggering device from a bomb for instance, or remove the cause of tension. So, Rustybear, you were right.

[Wezzle]

MM defuse means to smooth out or resolve

[popsycal]

I still think diffuse is the correct one......

[MargaretMountford]

thank you ! I shall know now !

[popsycal]

and I have just checked and I am wrong

[Threadwworm]

A gracious admission that has served to defuse a potential row.

[RustyBear]

[popsycal]

I must admit that I am shocked lol. I know diffuse means spread out but somehow defuse just seems wrong.

But it is not

As you were....

[nkf]

What are you trying to say? To defuse a situation is to take the heat out of it. Not sure what diffusing the situation might be.

[MargaretMountford]

was I right then ? [confused emoticon]

[Wezzle]

lolo MM...nope