disarm

verb

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dis·arm | \ dis-ˈärm

, diz-, ˈdis-ˌärm \

disarmed; disarming; disarms

Definition of disarm

transitive verb

1a : to deprive of means, reason, or disposition to be hostile disarmed criticism by admitting her errors

b : to win over

2a : 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

Other Words from disarm Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About disarm

Synonyms & Antonyms for disarm

Synonyms

demilitarize

Antonyms

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 on the Web For the moment, the vigilantes appeared willing to respond to a pledge by Gov. Alfredo Ramirez Bedolla to disarm the state's various ‘self defense’ groups. — Armando SolÍs, ajc, 27 Nov. 2021 The neighbor was able to disarm Nguyen, who then jumped in a white Toyota Sienna minivan and fled the area. — Paul Best, Fox News, 2 May 2022 Aircraft bombs are easier to disarm in general, but the overall risk during the disposal process is much greater. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 14 Apr. 2022 All of this makes the POM-3 extremely difficult to approach and successfully disarm. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 14 Apr. 2022 Rowe offered to disarm if Paulson promised not to shoot Luca, and Paulson agreed. — Rachel Monroe, The New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2022 All of it was meant to disarm their viewers, leaving them both awed and revolted, but at the same time captivated by a tale that, at its core, was about learning to love the worst parts of yourself. — Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 7 Apr. 2022 The operation that was revealed on Wednesday showed a willingness to disarm the main intelligence unit of the Russian military from computer networks inside the United States and around the world. — New York Times, 6 Apr. 2022 Green managed to disarm the suspect during a chaotic fight and was creating distance from the suspect, backing out of the restaurant as police were approaching outside. — Lauren Hernández, San Francisco Chronicle, 30 Mar. 2022 See More

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.