disarm

[ dis-ahrm ]

verb (used with object)

1. to deprive of a weapon or weapons.
2. to remove the fuze or other actuating device from:

   to disarm a bomb.

3. to deprive of the means of attack or defense:

   The lack of logic disarmed his argument.

4. to divest or relieve of hostility, suspicion, etc.; win the affection or approval of; charm:

   His smile disarmed us.

verb (used without object)

1. to lay down one's weapons.
2. (of a country) to reduce or limit the size, equipment, armament, etc., of the army, navy, or air force.

disarm

/ dɪsˈɑːm /

verb

1. tr to remove defensive or offensive capability from (a country, army, etc)
2. tr to deprive of weapons
3. tr to remove the triggering device of (a bomb, shell, etc)
4. tr to win the confidence or affection of
5. intr (of a nation, etc) to decrease the size and capability of one's armed forces
6. intr to lay down weapons

Derived Forms

• disˈarmer, noun

Other Words From

• dis·armer noun
• undis·armed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of disarm¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English word from Old French word desarmer. See dis- ¹, arm ²

Example Sentences

But it’s also thoroughly disarming, boasting an almost ridiculous sense of daring.

From Los Angeles Times

A motorik beat, jaunty bass line and melodic wafts of keyboard make the track go down with a disarming ease.

From New York Times

Critics have welcomed the film's unique visual style, calling it "disarmingly joyous" and "oddly charming" - but they've also questioned one of the film's big omissions.

From BBC

“Even as an executive, I’ve always used humor as a way to disarm people in the best possible way. I know how to connect people.”

From Los Angeles Times

The footage also showed, Mr Thomas telling police that Mr Bush was dead and that he disarmed him.

From BBC

Related Words

• deactivate
• demilitarize
• demobilize
• disband
• neutralize
• occupy
• subdue