disarm (B2)

verb

Pronunciation: [dɪsˈɑːm]

Definition

To take away or be deprived of weapons or arms; to render harmless or ineffective.

Examples

• The treaty required both nations to disarm their nuclear arsenals.

• His charming smile seemed to disarm her initial suspicion.

• The bomb squad worked carefully to disarm the explosive device.

How to Use disarm

disarm someone (prepositional phrase)

To take weapons away from a person. — "The police officer managed to disarm the man without any violence."

disarm a device (prepositional phrase)

To make a weapon or explosive device safe. — "It took the experts hours to disarm the complex device."

disarm someone of something (prepositional phrase)

To take a weapon or something else away from someone. — "The guard was able to disarm the thief of his knife."

Synonyms of disarm

Words with a similar meaning to disarm:

• pacify
• demilitarize
• deactivate

Antonyms of disarm

Words with the opposite meaning to disarm:

• arm
• equip

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