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

See Examples For:

nonproliferation

Wright also said in a statement posted to social media that the US-Saudi pact would "uphold the highest standards of nuclear safety and nonproliferation."

From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2026

The United States on Wednesday announced a landmark deal with Saudi Arabia that would establish a civilian nuclear program in the Gulf country, with Washington insisting the agreement includes nonproliferation safeguards.

From Barron's ● Jul. 22, 2026

Then the world can continue to enforce the nonproliferation regime, so that more nuclear countries don’t spring up.

From Salon ● Jun. 15, 2026

So it did on Monday by granting the Islamic Republic a leadership role at a conference on nuclear nonproliferation.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 1, 2026

In 1977, the Administration announced its nuclear nonproliferation policy and initiated the International Fuel Cycle Evaluation.

From State of the Union Address by Jimmy Carter

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