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

In recent days, South Korea’s top nuclear envoy called for more global urgency in the push to dismantle the Kim Jong Un regime’s atomic bombs, calling it the world’s “most pressing” nonproliferation challenge.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 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

“I think that our view on our nuclear program and the nonproliferation regime will witness changes, but it is not possible to say in what direction.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 25, 2025

As the years passed, the idea of Sweden as a voice for peace and nuclear nonproliferation became core to Sweden’s identity.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 1, 2024

In addition to building upon existing initiatives to secure materials, we are developing innovative approaches that blend classic counterproliferation, nonproliferation, and counterterrorism efforts.

From National Strategy for Combating Terrorism September 2006 by National Security Council (U.S.)

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