Which of the following pairs of homonyms can be used to fill in the blanks most suitably?
The negotiator managed to ____ the tension in the room before it could ____ into a full-blown conflict.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct pair of homonyms is "defuse" and "diffuse".
"Defuse" means to reduce or eliminate tension or danger. In the context of the sentence, the negotiator managed to "defuse" the tension.
"Diffuse" means to spread or disperse over a wide area. The tension could "diffuse" (spread) into a full-blown conflict.