Defuse (verb)

1. To remove or reduce the danger or tension of a potentially explosive or hostile situation.
2. To make a bomb or explosive device safe by removing the fuse or other activating mechanism.

Origin:

Derived from the latin word 'de' meaning 'away from' and 'fuse' meaning 'to make peace'.

Examples:

1. The negotiator was brought in to defuse the volatile situation.
2. The bomb squad worked to defuse the explosive device before it could cause harm.
3. The mediator successfully defused the conflict between the two sides.
4. The leader's words helped to defuse the tension in the room.
5. The situation was defused with the help of a trusted intermediary.