disarm
Americanverb (used with object)
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to deprive of a weapon or weapons.
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to remove the fuze or other actuating device from.
to disarm a bomb.
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to deprive of the means of attack or defense.
The lack of logic disarmed his argument.
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to divest or relieve of hostility, suspicion, etc.; win the affection or approval of; charm.
His smile disarmed us.
verb (used without object)
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to lay down one's weapons.
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(of a country) to reduce or limit the size, equipment, armament, etc., of the army, navy, or air force.
verb
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(tr) to remove defensive or offensive capability from (a country, army, etc)
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(tr) to deprive of weapons
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(tr) to remove the triggering device of (a bomb, shell, etc)
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(tr) to win the confidence or affection of
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(intr) (of a nation, etc) to decrease the size and capability of one's armed forces
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(intr) to lay down weapons
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
That rhythm remained after a ceasefire took effect in late 2024, which saw Hezbollah disarm in the south and the Lebanese army take control of the area.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 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
The report called for a new bilateral security pact, sanctions and other reforms including banning Nigeria's beef exports to compel armed herder groups to disarm.
From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026
According to prosecutors, on Saturday evening four soldiers housed at Percy Hospital had begun playing a game known within the military that involves attempting to disarm a colleague and disable their weapon.
From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026
The Germans were required to disarm, to surrender their overseas colonies, and to pay massive reparations for the losses suffered by the Allies.
From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
