disarm
to deprive of a weapon or weapons.
to remove the fuze or other actuating device from: to disarm a bomb.
to deprive of the means of attack or defense: The lack of logic disarmed his argument.
to divest or relieve of hostility, suspicion, etc.; win the affection or approval of; charm: His smile disarmed us.
to lay down one's weapons.
(of a country) to reduce or limit the size, equipment, armament, etc., of the army, navy, or air force.
Origin of disarm
1Other words from disarm
- dis·arm·er, noun
- un·dis·armed, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use disarm in a sentence
His brown eyes were penetrating yet peaceful, and he immediately disarmed my nervousness with his gentleness.
When Gary Wright Met George Harrison: Dream Weaver, John and Yoko, and More | Gary Wright | September 29, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTIraq has by conventional standards been disarmed twice since 1991.
Why the U.S. Army Is Stuck in the 19th Century | Bill Sweetman | September 2, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThe Americans in Iraq disarmed them, but assured them protection.
Iranian Bombs and Black Swans in the Nuclear Negotiations | Christopher Dickey | December 17, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTRather than polarizing voters, Clinton disarmed skeptics by acknowledging their valid concerns, good faith, and intelligence.
The Bill Clinton and DLC Model For Reinventing the Republican Party | Will Marshall | March 14, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTBut when he pulled the weapon away from my throat for a moment, I grabbed his wrist and disarmed him.
At the other end of the long room, Garnache ordered the disarmed men to range themselves.
St. Martin's Summer | Rafael SabatiniSentinels were placed at all the city gates; some rebels got inside the city, but were disarmed and sent out again.
The Philippine Islands | John ForemanBe wise enough not to proclaim your deficiencies, and the critics will go away disarmed, even if they are not charmed.
The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness | Florence HartleyBut Gilbert, like a disarmed gladiator, had received the proud speech and the scorning looks straight in the heart.
Balsamo, The Magician | Alexander DumasWe were surrounded by six masked cavaliers, and our men, who had tried to defend me, were disarmed.
Chicot the Jester | Alexandre Dumas, Pere
British Dictionary definitions for disarm
/ (dɪsˈɑːm) /
(tr) to remove defensive or offensive capability from (a country, army, etc)
(tr) to deprive of weapons
(tr) to remove the triggering device of (a bomb, shell, etc)
(tr) to win the confidence or affection of
(intr) (of a nation, etc) to decrease the size and capability of one's armed forces
(intr) to lay down weapons
Derived forms of disarm
- disarmer, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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