disarm

American  

[dis-ahrm] / dɪsˈɑrm /

verb (used with object)

1. to deprive of a weapon or weapons.

2. to remove the fuze or other actuating device from.

   to disarm a bomb.

3. to deprive of the means of attack or defense.

   The lack of logic disarmed his argument.

4. to divest or relieve of hostility, suspicion, etc.; win the affection or approval of; charm.

   His smile disarmed us.

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verb (used without object)

1. to lay down one's weapons.

2. (of a country) to reduce or limit the size, equipment, armament, etc., of the army, navy, or air force.

disarm British  

/ dɪsˈɑːm /

verb

1. (tr) to remove defensive or offensive capability from (a country, army, etc)

2. (tr) to deprive of weapons

3. (tr) to remove the triggering device of (a bomb, shell, etc)

4. (tr) to win the confidence or affection of

5. (intr) (of a nation, etc) to decrease the size and capability of one's armed forces

6. (intr) to lay down weapons

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Other Word Forms

• disarmer noun
• undisarmed adjective

Etymology

Origin of disarm

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English word from Old French word desarmer. See dis- ¹, arm ²

Explanation

When you disarm someone, you take their weapons away from them. An archery instructor might, for example, disarm a student if he wasn't handling his bow and arrow carefully. To disarm is to remove a gun, knife — or any kind of weapon — from someone's hands, or from a group of people. A government might work to disarm a rebel group, for example, and police officers sometimes offer to pay money for guns in an attempt to disarm citizens. You can also use the verb to mean "win someone over," like when you disarm a cranky store cashier with your friendly smile. Disarm has an Old French root word, desarmer.

Example Sentences

Analysts said the ELN has little interest in negotiating a peace deal with Colombia’s government that would disarm the group and end its role in lucrative illegal enterprises.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

Under the ceasefire agreement that ended the war in 2024, Hezbollah was meant to disarm and leave its positions in the south.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Beirut dithered away all of 2025 while U.S. envoy Tom Barrack pleaded with it to disarm Hezbollah.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

He expressed "regret" on Wednesday that international efforts had failed to disarm Iran.

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

Why should he choose to disarm himself, give up his voice and leave the only organization offering him a chance to "define" himself?

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison

Related Words

• deactivate
• demilitarize
• demobilize
• disband
• neutralize
• occupy
• subdue