disarm

[ dis-ahrm ]
/ dɪsˈɑrm /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR disarm ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object)

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.

verb (used without object)

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

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English word from Old French word desarmer. See dis-1, arm2

OTHER WORDS FROM disarm

dis·arm·er, noun un·dis·armed, adjective

Words nearby disarm

disappointing, disappointment, disapprobation, disapproval, disapprove, disarm, disarmament, disarming, disarrange, disarray, disarticulate

Words related to disarm

demobilize, subdue, neutralize, deactivate, occupy, disband, demilitarize, paralyze, invalidate, disqualify, debilitate, conciliate, skin, incapacitate, cripple, disable, strip, pacify, subjugate, prostrate

Example sentences from the Web for disarm

British Dictionary definitions for disarm

disarm
/ (dɪsˈɑːm) /

verb

(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