denuclearize

American  

[dee-noo-klee-uh-rahyz, -nyoo-, -kyuh-luh-] / diˈnu kli əˌraɪz, -ˈnyu-, -kyə lə- /

especially British, denuclearise

verb (used with object)

denuclearized, denuclearizing

1. to remove nuclear weapons from (a country, region, etc.).

2. to prohibit the deployment or construction of nuclear weapons in (a country, region, etc.).

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denuclearize British  

/ dɪˈnjuːklɪəˌraɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to deprive (a country, state, etc) of nuclear weapons

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Pronunciation

See nuclear.

Other Word Forms

• denuclearization noun

Etymology

Origin of denuclearize

First recorded in 1955–60; de- + nuclear + -ize

Example Sentences

Yoon said China must put forth “constructive efforts to denuclearize North Korea” if the North continues its banned missile tests.

From Seattle Times

In past years, the U.S. and South Korea had cancelled or scaled back some of their regular drills as part of diplomatic efforts to denuclearize North Korea and out of concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.

From Seattle Times

Mr. Yoon said South Korea would start providing economic incentives immediately if the North began serious negotiations to denuclearize.

From New York Times

And in a meeting with President Biden and President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea, the three leaders vowed to take “resolute steps” to denuclearize North Korea.

From New York Times

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, having failed to persuade Pyongyang to denuclearize in exchange for help remaking its economy, has rebuked the North’s missile tests and warned of a “resolute, overwhelming response” to a nuclear strike.

From Los Angeles Times