Disarmament: meaning, definitions and examples

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disarmament

 

[ dɪsˈɑːməmənt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

international politics

The reduction or withdrawal of military forces and weapons.

Synonyms

demilitarization, denuclearization.

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Word Description / Examples
disarmament

Used when referring to the reduction or elimination of a country's military weapons. Often used in contexts related to peace treaties and international agreements.

  • The treaty focused on the disarmament of nuclear weapons to ensure global peace
  • The disarmament conference aimed to reduce the stockpiles of conventional arms
demilitarization

Specific to the process of removing all military forces from an area. Often used in reference to specific regions or zones, particularly after conflicts.

  • The region underwent demilitarization after the peace agreement was signed
  • Demilitarization of the border area created a buffer zone between the two countries
denuclearization

Refers specifically to the act of removing nuclear weapons capabilities from a country or region. Generally used in international diplomacy and discussions involving nuclear non-proliferation.

  • Talks focused on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula
  • Both countries agreed to denuclearization to prevent the threat of nuclear war

Examples of usage

  • Negotiations for disarmament are ongoing between the two countries.
  • The treaty included provisions for disarmament of nuclear weapons.
  • The goal of disarmament is to promote peace and security.
  • The United Nations plays a key role in promoting disarmament worldwide.
Context #2 | Noun

general

The act of decreasing or eliminating weapons or military forces.

Synonyms

arms reduction, military downsizing, weapon removal.

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Word Description / Examples
disarmament

Often used in a political or international context, focusing on the reduction or elimination of weapons to promote peace and security globally. It has a formal and neutral connotation.

  • The treaty calls for the complete disarmament of nuclear weapons.
  • Disarmament talks between the countries have resumed after a long hiatus.
arms reduction

This term is typically used in treaties, agreements, and negotiations focused on reducing the number of weapons, usually among major powers. It has a formal yet slightly more technical connotation than 'disarmament'.

  • The new arms reduction treaty aims to lower the number of active warheads.
  • Arms reduction negotiations are underway to reduce military spending.
weapon removal

Typically used in contexts involving the physical act of taking away weapons from a specific area or group. It can be used in both formal and informal settings, and often implies direct action to make an area safer.

  • The UN mission focused on weapon removal in the conflict zone.
  • Police conducted a weapon removal operation in the neighborhood.
military downsizing

This term is used in contexts relating to reducing the size of the military force, including personnel, equipment, and weapons. It implies a broader scope but can also have a negative connotation when referring to job losses.

  • Due to budget cuts, the country is undergoing military downsizing.
  • Military downsizing often involves painful cuts to personnel and resources.

Examples of usage

  • Disarmament is essential for preventing conflicts.
  • The country announced a policy of disarmament to focus on economic development.
  • Disarmament efforts are crucial for global stability.
Context #3 | Noun

historical

The process of reducing or abolishing military capabilities or armaments.

Synonyms

arms control, military disarmament, weapons limitation.

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Word Description / Examples
disarmament

Used when referring to the general idea of reducing or eliminating weapons and military forces, typically during peace agreements or treaties.

  • The treaty called for the complete disarmament of the warring nations
  • International efforts for disarmament are critical for global peace
arms control

Used in discussions about regulations and restrictions on the development, production, and proliferation of weapons, often between two or more countries.

  • Arms control agreements are essential to prevent an arms race
  • The two countries signed an arms control treaty to limit their nuclear arsenals
military disarmament

Specifically focuses on the reduction or elimination of military forces and equipment, often used in a military or defense context.

  • Military disarmament is necessary to ensure long-term peace in the region
  • The general announced a plan for gradual military disarmament
weapons limitation

Refers to measures that set limits on the quantity, type, or quality of weapons that can be possessed or used by countries or groups.

  • Negotiations for weapons limitation aim to curtail the risk of large-scale conflict
  • The international agreement included strict weapons limitation clauses

Examples of usage

  • Disarmament treaties were signed after World War I.
  • Disarmament talks were held to avoid an arms race.
  • Disarmament measures were implemented to build trust between nations.

Translations

Translations of the word "disarmament" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desarmamento

🇮🇳 निशस्त्रीकरण

🇩🇪 Abrüstung

🇮🇩 pelucutan senjata

🇺🇦 роззброєння

🇵🇱 rozbrojenie

🇯🇵 軍縮 (ぐんしゅく)

🇫🇷 désarmement

🇪🇸 desarme

🇹🇷 silahsızlanma

🇰🇷 군비 축소 (gunbi chukso)

🇸🇦 نزع السلاح

🇨🇿 odzbrojení

🇸🇰 odzbrojenie

🇨🇳 裁军 (cáijūn)

🇸🇮 razorožitev

🇮🇸 afvopnun

🇰🇿 қарусыздану

🇬🇪 განიარაღება

🇦🇿 silahsızlanma

🇲🇽 desarme

Etymology

The concept of disarmament has been a central issue in international relations for centuries. The idea of reducing military capabilities and weapons dates back to ancient times when treaties were used to prevent wars. In the modern era, disarmament became a key focus after the devastating effects of World War I and World War II. International organizations like the United Nations have played a significant role in promoting disarmament as a means to achieve global peace and security. The history of disarmament is intertwined with efforts to prevent conflicts and build trust among nations.

See also: disarmer.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,370, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.