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

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

From Salon • Jun. 15, 2026

The department conference where I first saw Sherman speak to a crowd full of aspiring nuclear experts, nonproliferation advocates, and department officials is a case in point.

From Slate • May 1, 2026

Instead, the country’s nuclear ambitions have primarily focused on defense and nonproliferation efforts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 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

This latter agreement—the nonproliferation treaty—is now pending in the Senate and it has been pending there since last July.

From State of the Union Address by Johnson, Lyndon B. (Lyndon Baines)

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