defang

/diːˈfæŋ/
verb
  1. To remove the fangs or venom from an animal, especially a snake, so it cannot bite or poison.
    • In some cultures, people defang cobras before using them in street performances.
    • The vet defanged the rescued wolf to prevent it from injuring anyone at the sanctuary.
    • The zookeeper carefully defanged the rattlesnake to make it safe for the educational show.
  2. To make something or someone less dangerous, powerful, or threatening.
    • The comedian's jokes defanged the politician's harsh criticism by making everyone laugh.
    • The court ruling defanged the law that had been used to silence protesters.
    • The new regulations defanged the company's ability to pollute the river.
What does "defang" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean