nonproliferation

American  

[non-proh-lif-uh-rey-shuhn] / ˌnɒn proʊˌlɪf əˈreɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the action or practice of curbing or controlling an excessive, rapid spread.

   nonproliferation of nuclear weapons.

2. failure or refusal to proliferate, as in budding or cell division.

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adjective

1. pertaining to diplomatic agreements limiting the spread of nuclear weapons.

nonproliferation British  

/ ˌnɒnprəˌlɪfərˈeɪʃən /

noun

1. 1. limitation of the production or spread of something, esp nuclear or chemical weapons

   2. ( as modifier )

      a nonproliferation treaty

2. failure or refusal to proliferate

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Etymology

Origin of nonproliferation

First recorded in 1960–65; non- + proliferation

Explanation

Nonproliferation is when something is kept from growing or spreading. Trying to reduce the number of nuclear weapons in the world is known as nuclear nonproliferation. You're almost certain to find the noun nonproliferation in discussions about weapons of mass destruction, especially nuclear bombs and missiles. A nonproliferation treaty is an agreement between powerful countries to limit the number of nuclear weapons they have, with the eventual goal of disarmament, or completely eliminating them. The word has been around since 1965, from non-, "not," and proliferation, "increase or enlargement," from the French prolifère, "producing offspring."

Example Sentences

The expanding trade marks one of the biggest challenges for American nonproliferation officials in the era of drone warfare.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

“There’s a general conclusion today that there’s a de facto suspension of enrichment,” said Robert Einhorn, a former senior State Department official for nonproliferation issues and a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

Lee, the nonproliferation expert, said that the attack on Iran, which was the first real-world use of the United States’ bunker-buster bombs, may have been a boon to North Korea.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 25, 2025

Everyone involved—the presidents, the diplomats who spent months negotiating the precise terms, and British officials, who later signed the deal as well—viewed it as mainly a measure to promote nuclear safety and nonproliferation.

From Slate • Jan. 26, 2024

This latter agreement—the nonproliferation treaty—is now pending in the Senate and it has been pending there since last July.

From State of the Union Address by Johnson, Lyndon B. (Lyndon Baines)

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