disarming

1 of 2

adjective

dis·​arm·​ing dis-ˈär-miŋ 

diz-, 

ˈdis-ˌär-

: allaying criticism or hostility : ingratiating entry 1

a disarming smile

disarmingly

dis-ˈär-miŋ-lē 

diz-, 

ˈdis-ˌär-

adverb

disarming

2 of 2

present participle of disarm

Did you know?

When Should You Use disarming?

A defeated country is sometimes forced to disarm (give up its weapons), and research may be aimed at disarming a deadly virus (making it incapable of doing damage). But the meaning of the adjective disarming isn't quite so physical. If you say your nephew has a disarming smile, you mean that his smile's warmth and genuineness disarm the people he meets of any possible suspicion or criticism and of any verbal weapons they might have used against him.

Synonyms of disarming

Adjective

• adorable
• dear
• sweet
• beautiful
• loved

Examples of disarming in a Sentence

Adjective

We were all charmed by his disarming openness and modesty.

a thoroughly disarming little rascal who can talk his way out of any trouble

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

This will be both disarming and believable, allowing your daughter to propose times that are both far off and inconvenient. — Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 15 Dec. 2022

Then check out the work of Danielle Perez, who delivers jokes about the heaviest of subjects with a breezy openness that’s totally disarming. — Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2021

Garments can be gorgeous, disarming, and take your breath away. — BostonGlobe.com, 15 Oct. 2021

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from present participle of disarm

First Known Use

Adjective

1839, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for disarming

• alarming
• arming
• charming
• farming
• harming