disarm

[dɪsˈɑːm]

disarm Definition

• 1. to take weapons away from someone or a group of people
• 2. to make someone less angry, defensive, or suspicious by being kind and charming

Using disarm: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "disarm" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The government has agreed to disarm the rebels.

• Example

  The police were able to disarm the suspect without any violence.

• Example

  Her smile and friendly demeanor disarmed even the most hostile critics.

• Example

  He tried to disarm her with a joke, but she remained suspicious.

• Example

  The negotiator's calm and respectful approach helped to disarm the tense situation.

disarm Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for disarm

• demilitarize
• neutralize
• pacify
• placate
• deactivate

Antonyms for disarm

• arm
• militarize
• enrage
• provoke
• incite

Phrases with disarm

• disarmament talks

  negotiations aimed at reducing or eliminating weapons held by opposing sides

  Example

  The two countries have been engaged in disarmament talks for several years.

• disarm with a smile

  to make someone less hostile or suspicious by being friendly and charming

  Example

  She was able to disarm the angry customer with a smile and a kind word.

• disarm the bomb

  to remove or deactivate an explosive device

  Example

  The bomb squad was able to disarm the bomb before it could cause any harm.

Origins of disarm

from Old French 'desarmer', from 'des-' (indicating reversal) + 'armer' (to arm)

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Summary: disarm in Brief

The verb 'disarm' [dɪsˈɑːm] has two main meanings. The first is to take weapons away from someone or a group of people, as in 'The government has agreed to disarm the rebels.' The second is to make someone less angry, defensive, or suspicious by being kind and charming, as in 'Her smile and friendly demeanor disarmed even the most hostile critics.' Other phrases include 'disarmament talks,' 'disarm with a smile,' and 'disarm the bomb.'