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defang

 - 2 dictionary results

de⋅fang

  [dee-fang]
Use defang in a Sentence
–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. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To defang
de·fang   (dē-fāng')   
tr.v.   de·fanged, de·fang·ing, de·fangs

  1. To remove the fangs of (a snake, for example).

  2. To undermine the strength or power of; make ineffectual: an attempt to defang the opposition.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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