disarm

dis·arm

verb \dis-ˈärm, diz-, ˈdis-ˌärm\

Definition of DISARM

transitive verb

1

a : to deprive of means, reason, or disposition to be hostile <disarmed criticism by admitting her errors>

b : to win over

2

a : to divest of arms <disarm captured troops>

b : to deprive of a means of attack or defense <disarm a ship>

c : to make harmless <disarm a bomb>

intransitive verb

1

: to lay aside arms

2

: to give up or reduce armed forces

— dis·ar·ma·ment \-ˈär-mə-mənt\ noun

— dis·arm·er noun

Examples of DISARM

1. The government has been unsuccessful at disarming the rebels.
2. The terrorists have refused to disarm.
3. It took more than an hour to disarm the bomb.

Origin of DISARM

Middle English desarmen, literally, to divest of arms, from Anglo-French desarmer, from des- dis- + armer to arm

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to DISARM

Synonyms

demilitarize

Antonyms

arm, militarize

Related Words

demobilize; denuclearize

Near Antonyms

equip, reequip, weapon; embattle, mechanize, mobilize

Rhymes with DISARM

alarm, dry farm, fat farm, firearm, fish farm, forearm, gisarme, poor farm, rearm, sidearm, stiff-arm, straight-arm, strong-arm, tonearm, tree farm, truck farm, unarm, wind farm, work farm, yardarm