# disarm

/dɪˈsɑɹm/ (US) · /dɪsˈɑːm/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/disarm
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

to take weapons away from a person or a group. It can also mean making someone feel less angry or suspicious by being friendly.

For teachers: to deprive of weapons or the means of attack; to render harmless by removing the cause of hostility or suspicion.

## Examples

- 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.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, whether referring to physical weapons or emotional defenses.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.