Poll: The announcement appeared to ____ tension caused by his resignation.

MrTrilby

One defuses a bomb.

Isra

I think the right answer is: defuse"

Benny7

As Mr Trilby says, you defuse a bomb and you diffuse tension.

houston

de�fuse /diˈfyuz/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[dee-fyooz] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation verb, -fused, -fus�ing.
�verb (used with object) 1. to remove the fuze from (a bomb, mine, etc.).
2. to make less dangerous, tense, or embarrassing: to defuse a potentially ugly situation.
�verb (used without object) 3. to grow less dangerous; weaken.

Trish

"We have a problem, Houston." (LOL)

Yoyoma

According to Merriam Webster defuse is the right word.

marion fox

caused by his resignation suggests that the tension became widespread as a result of his resignation. diffuse: scatter or spread through.

Jotter Scalems

In Dutch there is an expression:
'to take the fuse from the gunbarrel.' It is commonly used in the figurative sense. Given the interaction between the two languages, it is clearly 'defuse'.

Susie

Yes, diffusing is spreading out - you diffuse light to break it into colored bands ...

Smith

Diffuse is the should be. it spreads.