disarm

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verb dis·arm \ 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

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disarmament

play \-ˈär-mə-mənt\ noun

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disarmer

noun

See disarm defined for English-language learners

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Examples of disarm in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of disarm from the Web

Lillie Mae's down-to-earth, homespun attitude is a disarming contrast to the hipster buzz that surrounds her.

— chrissie dickinson, chicagotribune.com, "Lillie Mae isn't trying to rebel," 24 Aug. 2017
The suspect, however, attempted to disarm one of the officers, according to broadcast reports.

— andrew seidman, Philly.com, "Man fatally shot by police amid struggle in North Philly," 11 Aug. 2017
Hetfield, who sang with impressive velocity throughout, also displayed a disarming sense of humor.

— george varga, Pacific San Diego Magazine, "Review | Metallica brings heavy-metal thunder to Petco Park," 7 Aug. 2017
And, because Rosenberg is a disarming combination of gonzo professional and unchecked fangirl, a Sandra Bullock character waiting to happen, those chefs were charmed.

— christine muhlke, Bon Appetit, "This Is the Woman Behind the World's Best Restaurant," 24 July 2017
The employee disarmed Rivas and continued removing him from the property.

— staff report, chicagotribune.com, "Libertyville police: 2 arrested in prostitution sting," 7 July 2017
Authorities said Lloyd Jackson, 21, also attempted to disarm an officer of his gun and kicked a New Orleans EMS worker after injuring a 3-year-old girl.

— ken daley, NOLA.com, "Feds charge mentally ill man with damaging Social Security office in Kenner," 6 July 2017
Two men ran to Moore's aid and disarmed Davis, the affidavit said.

— samantha matsumoto, OregonLive.com, "Man pleads not guilty to downtown Portland stabbing," 5 July 2017
One member of Antifa was seen holding a knife before he was taken to the ground and disarmed by Patriot Pride members.

— kellie bancalari, USA TODAY College, "Evergreen State College looks to mend campus following protests," 30 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'disarm.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of disarm

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

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First Known Use: 14th century

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disarm Synonyms

Synonyms

demilitarize

Antonyms

arm, militarize

Related Words

demobilize; denuclearize

Near Antonyms

equip, reequip, weapon; embattle, mechanize, mobilize

DISARM Defined for English Language Learners

disarm

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verb

Definition of disarm for English Language Learners

: to take weapons from (someone or something)
: to give up weapons
: to make (a bomb, mine, etc.) harmless

DISARM Defined for Kids

disarm

play

verb dis·arm \ dis-ˈärm \

Definition of disarm for Students

disarmed; disarming

1 :to take weapons from

Disarm the prisoner.

2 :to reduce the size and strength of the armed forces of a country

3 :to make harmless

He disarmed the bomb.

4 :to end dislike or mistrust :win over

a disarming smile

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disarmament

\-ˈär-mə-mənt\ noun

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disarm

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