disarm
Meaning: To take weapons away from a person or group, or to reduce a country's military capability. Figuratively, to win over someone's hostility or suspicion through charm or openness.
Disarm operates powerfully in both literal and figurative registers. In military and diplomatic contexts, it refers to weapons reduction or removal — 'nuclear disarmament' has been a central issue in British politics since the founding of CND in 1958. Figuratively, 'disarming' is an extremely common adjective meaning charmingly open or frank: 'a disarming smile,' 'disarming honesty.' The figurative sense is arguably more frequently encountered in everyday English than the military one.
Examples
- The peace agreement required both sides to disarm their militias within ninety days. 和平协议要求双方在九十天内解除其民兵的武装。El acuerdo de paz exigía que ambas partes desarmaran a sus milicias en un plazo de noventa días.和平協定は両陣営に対し、90日以内に民兵の武装を解除することを求めた。평화 협정은 양측에 90일 이내에 민병대의 무장을 해제할 것을 요구했다.
- She had a disarming candour that made even her harshest critics warm to her. 她有一种令人放松警惕的坦率,连最严厉的批评者也为之动容。Poseía una franqueza desarmante que hacía que incluso sus críticos más acérrimos simpatizaran con ella.彼女には人の警戒を解く率直さがあり、最も厳しい批判者さえも心を開かせた。그녀에게는 사람의 경계심을 푸는 솔직함이 있어서 가장 신랄한 비평가들조차도 마음을 열게 했다.
- Police marksmen managed to disarm the suspect without firing a single shot. 警方狙击手在没有开一枪的情况下成功解除了嫌疑人的武装。Los tiradores policiales lograron desarmar al sospechoso sin efectuar un solo disparo.警察の狙撃手は一発も発砲することなく容疑者の武装を解除した。경찰 저격수들은 단 한 발도 발사하지 않고 용의자의 무장을 해제했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: journalism, academic, general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Old French desarmer, from des- (reversal) + armer (to arm), from Latin armare (to furnish with weapons). Entered English in the late 14th century; the figurative sense emerged in the 17th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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