disarming

adjective dis·arm·ing

Definition of disarming

:allaying criticism or hostility :ingratiating

a disarming smile

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disarmingly

play \-ˈär-miŋ-lē\ adverb

See disarming defined for English-language learners

Examples of disarming in a Sentence

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 of disarming from the Web

One of the most disarming aspects of Roberts' vocals always has been her tendency to shy away from the peak notes in any given melody line.

— howard reich, chicagotribune.com, "Judy Roberts swings back home to Chicago for Jazz Showcase residency," 9 June 2017
Its disarming atmosphere, with an East Coast beach decor.

— brenda cain, cleveland.com, "Coastal Taco brings a beach-y vibe: Best Tacos contest (photos, video, poll)," 8 May 2017

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

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.