arms control

noun

: limitation of the use, exchange, or manufacture of military weapons by nations often as a policy established through diplomatic negotiation
Kennedy handled the missile crisis as a political issue—resisting the temptation to make it a totally military stand-off that might have escalated into world war—and set a goal of nuclear arms control.Juan Williams, Washington Post, 28 Apr. 1991

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of arms control was in 1921

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near arms control

Cite this Entry

“Arms control.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arms%20control. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!