adjective
- removing or capable of removing hostility, suspicion, etc., as by being charming: a disarming smile.
verb (used with object)
- to deprive of a weapon or weapons.
- to remove the fuze or other actuating device from: to disarm a bomb.
- to deprive of the means of attack or defense: The lack of logic disarmed his argument.
- to divest or relieve of hostility, suspicion, etc.; win the affection or approval of; charm: His smile disarmed us.
verb (used without object)
- to lay down one’s weapons.
- (of a country) to reduce or limit the size, equipment, armament, etc., of the army, navy, or air force.
adjective
- tending to neutralize or counteract hostility, suspicion, etc
verb
- (tr) to remove defensive or offensive capability from (a country, army, etc)
- (tr) to deprive of weapons
- (tr) to remove the triggering device of (a bomb, shell, etc)
- (tr) to win the confidence or affection of
- (intr) (of a nation, etc) to decrease the size and capability of one’s armed forces
- (intr) to lay down weapons
late 14c., from Old French desarmer (11c.), from des- (see dis-) + armer “to arm” (see arm (v.)). The figurative sense is slightly earlier in English than the literal. Related: Disarmed; disarming.