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

Syria, unable to resume a program it had conducted in violation of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, only said at the time that it had thwarted an Israeli airstrike.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025

The court cited minutes of meetings between Dutch officials and the US Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation.

From Barron's • Oct. 14, 2025

Nonproliferation experts have attributed the decision to U.S. wariness of the growing chorus in South Korea for its own nuclear armament.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2025

For example, former Rep. John Tierney of the Center for Arms Control and Nonproliferation offered this blunt indictment of ICBMs:

From Salon • Aug. 11, 2024

In 1978, Congress passed the Nuclear Nonproliferation Act, an historic piece of legislation.

From State of the Union Address by Carter, Jimmy

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