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

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

“It was disarmingly friendly, like the voice you’d expect from a stranger who offered to carry your grandmother’s groceries. The second I heard it, I knew we weren’t going to be auditioning anyone else.”

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

Related Words

• convincing
• ingratiating
• irresistible
• persuasive
• seductive