Disarm
/dɪsˈɑːrm/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo take away weapons from someone or something; to deprive of a means of defense.
/dɪsˈɑːrm/
To take weapons away from someone or something.
The police disarmed the suspect.
💡 Simply: Think of taking away someone's toy gun. Disarming is taking away any object that could be used to cause harm or danger. Like when police take a criminal's gun.
👶 For kids: To take away someone's weapons so they can't fight.
More Examples
The treaty aimed to disarm both nations.
How It's Used
"The soldiers were ordered to disarm the rebels."
"Security personnel disarmed the suspicious package."
To reduce the hostility or suspicion of; to make less guarded; to win over.
/dɪsˈɑːrm/
To win someone's affection or trust, often by charm.
Her sincerity disarmed his skepticism.
💡 Simply: When you make someone feel comfortable and safe, you've disarmed them. Like when you tell a joke to someone who is angry, and they start to laugh.
👶 For kids: To make someone feel safe and happy instead of angry or scared.
More Examples
The child's innocent smile disarmed the stranger.
How It's Used
"His friendly demeanor disarmed his critics."
"The therapist used empathy to disarm the patient's defenses."
Idioms & expressions
disarm a bomb
To make a bomb safe by removing its explosive components or disabling its detonator.
"The bomb disposal unit was called in to disarm the bomb."
disarm someone with a smile
To reduce the hostility or suspicion of someone through a friendly and engaging demeanor, especially a smile.
"She disarmed the grumpy customer with a warm smile and helpful attitude."
From Old French *désarmer*, from *dés-* (dis-) + *armer* (to arm). The word evolved to refer to removing weapons, and later, reducing emotional defenses.
Historically, the term was used to describe the act of removing weapons from soldiers or armies. It broadened over time to include the metaphorical sense of calming emotions or reducing hostility.
Memory tip
Imagine taking the 'arm' out of 'disarm'. It's about removing the ability to harm.
Word Origin
"To remove weapons; to make defenseless."