Word
disarm
Phoneticsdis·arm, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈsɑɹm/
UK/dɪsˈɑːm/
Definition
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.
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.”
Examples
simple
“The police managed to disarm the suspect without any injuries.”
contextual
“His warm smile and honest apology helped to disarm the angry customers waiting in line.”
complex
“The treaty required both nations to disarm their border patrols as a gesture of goodwill during the peace negotiations.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, whether referring to physical weapons or emotional defenses.
Real-World Examples
“Zaidi, who took office in May, has vowed to disarm them and bring all weapons under state control following the coalition's exit.” “But Israel has insisted that the group must fully disarm before any pullout.” “Hamas has never agreed to disarm before now.” “WASHINGTON, June 26 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday that the framework agreement reached with Israel and Lebanon establishes a clear process to restore Lebanon's sovereignty, disarm Hezbollah and dismantle its infrastructure.” Etymology
From Middle English desarmen (“to divest of arms”), from Anglo-Norman desarmer.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
In Music
Cover shown under fair use for identification and commentary.
Disarm · 1994 · Alternative rock
- Artist:
- The Smashing Pumpkins
- Album:
- Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins released this alternative rock hit in the early 1990s as a reflection on childhood trauma. The title uses the word figuratively to describe the act of stripping away emotional defenses and making oneself vulnerable. It highlights the singer's attempt to deal with his past by removing the 'weapons' he used to protect his feelings.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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