disarming

[ dis-ahr-ming ]

adjective

1. removing or capable of removing hostility, suspicion, etc., as by being charming:

   a disarming smile.

   Synonyms: winsome, engaging, winning

disarming

/ dɪsˈɑːmɪŋ /

adjective

1. tending to neutralize or counteract hostility, suspicion, etc

Derived Forms

• disˈarmingly, adverb

Other Words From

• dis·arming·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of disarming¹

First recorded in 1540–50; disarm + -ing ²

Example Sentences

In the era of "liberal peace", an agreement to end a civil war was the drafting of a democratic constitution, along with measures for disarming and demobilising rival armies, transitional justice and reconciliation, and aid-funded programmes to deliver a peace dividend for the afflicted populace.

From BBC

Katz said the goals were “disarming Hezbollah and its withdrawal beyond the Litani river”, which runs about 30km north of the border with Israel, as well as “returning the residents of the north safely to their homes”.

From BBC

Still, Peter Falk’s formidable cigar-smoking detective serves as an inspiration for Elsbeth, with her intentionally disarming wardrobe, and how she outwits the murderer-of-the-week, played by a famous guest star.

From Los Angeles Times

In other words, she could suck the power out of Trump’s demagoguery with a truthful, disarming mea culpa, display a capacity for learning and follow with a forceful declaration of victory.

From Salon

That is a completely disarming approach because it brings intellectual humility into it.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• convincing
• ingratiating
• irresistible
• persuasive
• seductive