First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
disarm
verb dis·arm \dis-ˈärm, diz-, ˈdis-ˌärm\
: to take weapons from (someone or something)
: to give up weapons
: to make (a bomb, mine, etc.) harmless
Full Definition of DISARM
transitive verb
1
a : to deprive of means, reason, or disposition to be hostile <disarmed criticism by admitting her errors> b : to win over
2
a : to divest of arms <disarm captured troops> b : to deprive of a means of attack or defense <disarm a ship> c : to make harmless <disarm a bomb>
intransitive verb
1
: to lay aside arms
2
: to give up or reduce armed forces
— dis·ar·ma·ment \-ˈär-mə-mənt\ noun
— dis·arm·er noun
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Origin of DISARM
Middle English desarmen, literally, to divest of arms, from Anglo-French desarmer, from des- dis- + armer to arm
Related to DISARM
- Synonyms
- demilitarize
- Antonyms
- arm, militarize
DISARMED Defined for Kids
disarm
verb dis·arm \dis-ˈärm\
dis·armeddis·arm·ing
Definition of DISARM for Kids
1
: to take weapons from <Disarm the prisoner.>
2
: to reduce the size and strength of the armed forces of a country
3
: to make harmless <He disarmed the bomb.>
4
: to end dislike or mistrust : win over <a disarming smile>
— dis·ar·ma·ment \-ˈär-mə-mənt\ noun
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