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

Example Sentences

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

Neighboring countries now treated as nonplayer characters can, in fact, act in countless ways to disarm this threat.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

But their chief of staff, Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, has said his objective is to disarm Hezbollah, and that what was needed now above all was "persistence and patience".

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

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

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

I turn away, waiting to disarm my next foe.

From "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir

Related Words

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