de·fang

[dee-fang]
verb (used with object)
1.
to remove the fangs of: to defang a snake.
2.
to cause to become less powerful or threatening; render harmless.

Origin:
1950–55; de- + fang

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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WordNet
defang

verb
remove the fangs from; "defang the poisonous snake" 
WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
Cite This Source
00:10
Defang is one of our favorite verbs.
So is absquatulate. Does it mean:
to steal or take dishonestly (money, esp. public funds, or property entrusted to one's care); embezzle.
to flee; abscond:
Example sentences
Snake charmers defang their animals to avoid lethal bites while still giving the impression they are handling deadly snakes.
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