Main Entry:

dis·arm

Pronunciation:

\dis-ˈärm, diz-, ˈdis-ˌärm\

Function:

verb

Etymology:

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

Date:

14th century

transitive verb1 a: to deprive of means, reason, or disposition to be hostile <disarmed criticism by admitting her errors> b: to win over2 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 verb1: to lay aside arms2: to give up or reduce armed forces

— dis·ar·ma·ment \-ˈär-mə-mənt\ noun

— dis·arm·er noun