disarm 1 of 2

verb

dis-ˈärm How to pronounce disarm (audio)
Definition of disarmnext
1
as in to demilitarize
to reduce the size and strength of the armed forces of the defeated nation was disarmed so that it would never again be a threat to international order

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2
as in to appease
to lessen the anger or agitation of her future father-in-law was totally disarmed by her easy charm

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disarmament

2 of 2

noun

as in demilitarization
the reduction or elimination of a country's armed forces or weapons the ambassador spoke at length about the possible unilateral disarmament of his country

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of disarm
Verb
That’s the position that is somewhat disabling us and disarming us. — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2026 Even so, Netanyahu categorically rejected this road map, insisting that there could be no Israeli withdrawal until Hamas was fully disarmed and that Israel remained free to continue military operations in Gaza. — Khaled Elgindy, Foreign Affairs, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
And then there was the Israeli condition that Hamas disarmament should come first, and then the rest of the promises outlined in the ceasefire could follow. — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026 After decades of disarmament, Russia, China, France, and several other nuclear powers are rapidly expanding their arsenals, while Germany, South Korea, Japan, and others are considering developing their own programs. — Scott W. Stern, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disarm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disarm
  1. demilitarize
  2. appease
  3. demobilize
Verb
  • Their task will be to demilitarize the territory and decommission all of Hamas’ military infrastructure.
    — Matthew Lee, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Spielman told The Associated Press that Israel's intelligence assessment is that Hamas remains committed to rebuilding its military rather than genuinely demilitarizing.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of demilitarize
Verb
  • Neither Adobe nor Microsoft have done much to appease to their user base.
    — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 14 Oct. 2026
  • As shoppers cut spending in the face of high gas and food prices, businesses have pulled more levers to boost profitability and appease investors.
    — Ryan Baker, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of appease
Verb
  • The group’s 40,000 fighters promised to demobilize and join civilian life.
    — Teresa Cerojano, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • In fact, Leon Kauffer and Emile Souter were both demobilized French aviators in their early 20s, and well out of their depth.
    — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of demobilize

Browse Nearby Words

disapproving (of)
disarm
disarmament
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Cite this Entry

“Disarm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disarm. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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