disarming

[ dis-ahr-ming ]

adjective

1. removing or capable of removing hostility, suspicion, etc., as by being charming:

   a disarming smile.

   Synonyms: winsome, engaging, winning

disarming

/ dɪsˈɑːmɪŋ /

adjective

1. tending to neutralize or counteract hostility, suspicion, etc

Derived Forms

• disˈarmingly, adverb

Other Words From

• dis·arming·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of disarming¹

First recorded in 1540–50; disarm + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Now she visits mainline Protestant churches across the country to speak out against gun violence and perform “disarmings” — the dismantling of firearms per Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives guidelines.

From FiveThirtyEight

He was renowned for his wit, disarming his critics with unfailing humor.

From The Daily Beast

Israel and Egypt instead pressed Hamas to begin disarming in exchange for more reconstruction, dismissing Kerry.

From The Daily Beast

The gun control lobby engages in emotional brainwashing to further its attempts at disarming the American people.

From The Daily Beast

Moscow is conveniently two-faced when it comes to disarming pro-Russian separatists.

From The Daily Beast

In a few words, Letterman brought the Beatles and what they represented into disarming focus.

From The Daily Beast

He responded at once by presenting himself at her home with all his disarming naivete.

From Project Gutenberg

(With a sudden disarming smile) I don't know whether an apology is overdoing the charm?

From Project Gutenberg

But I have put as many irons in against this folly of the disarming as I could manage.

From Project Gutenberg

Helen had been prejudiced against Mrs. Charnock, but her blunt sincerity was disarming.

From Project Gutenberg

On disarming himself, Osbert perceived that he was wounded, and that one of his steel boots was full of blood.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• convincing
• ingratiating
• irresistible
• persuasive
• seductive