disarm
v. B2 Upper Intermediate US //dɪˈsɑɹm// UK //dɪsˈɑːm// dis·arm
v. to take weapons away from a person or a group. It can also mean making someone feel less angry or suspicious by being friendly.
v. to deprive of weapons or the means of attack; to render harmless by removing the cause of hostility or suspicion.
The police managed to disarm the suspect without any injuries.
His warm smile and honest apology helped to disarm the angry customers waiting in line.
The treaty required both nations to disarm their border patrols as a gesture of goodwill during the peace negotiations.
From Middle English desarmen (“to divest of arms”), from Anglo-Norman desarmer.
Usage
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, whether referring to physical weapons or emotional defenses.