Disarmed: meaning, definitions and examples

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disarmed

 

[dɪsˈɑːmd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

weapons

To disarm means to take away someone's weapons or to remove the ability to use weapons.

Synonyms

deactivate, dismantle, unarm.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disarmed

Used when referring to making someone or something harmless, usually in the context of removing weapons or rendering a bomb safe.

  • The police disarmed the suspect without any issues
  • The bomb squad disarmed the explosive device in the building
dismantle

Used when taking apart machinery, structures, or systems piece by piece. It may connote careful or systematic removal.

  • They started to dismantle the old factory
  • The engineers dismantled the machine to fix its internal parts
deactivate

Appropriate for situations where you are turning off a system, machine, or device, often used in the context of technology or security.

  • Please deactivate the alarm system before you enter the house
  • The technician deactivated the malfunctioning robot
unarm

Less common and could be used colloquially to mean removing weapons from someone. It is not as widely used as 'disarm' and could carry an informal tone.

  • They managed to unarm the attacker
  • The guards unarmed the intruders quickly

Examples of usage

  • The police officer carefully disarmed the suspect before placing him under arrest.
  • The treaty required the country to disarm its nuclear weapons.
Context #2 | Adjective

suspicion

If someone is disarmed, they are no longer considered to be a threat or dangerous.

Synonyms

captivating, charming, endearing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disarmed

This word can be used when someone has successfully caused another person's skepticism, hostility, or defenses to lessen or go away, often through kindness or charm. It can also have a literal meaning in a military context. Note that it may imply an initial sense of tension or defensiveness.

  • Her kindness and generosity disarmed even the harshest critics.
  • The negotiator disarmed the situation with his calm demeanor.
charming

Use this word to describe a person or thing that is pleasantly attractive or delightful in a way that makes people like them.

  • He has a charming smile that puts everyone at ease.
  • The quaint village has a charming atmosphere.
endearing

This word is suitable for describing something or someone that is extremely lovable and makes others feel affection toward it or them. It tends to have a warm, positive connotation.

  • Her endearing habit of singing in the shower always makes us laugh.
  • The puppy's clumsy antics were incredibly endearing.
captivating

This word is best used to describe something that holds someone's attention extremely well, often because it is beautiful, interesting, or engaging.

  • The performance was so captivating that the audience was completely silent.
  • Her speech was captivating; nobody could look away.

Examples of usage

  • Her smile was disarming, making it hard to stay suspicious of her.
  • His disarmed demeanor put everyone at ease.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the combination of 'dis-' meaning removal and 'armed,' which relates to having weapons.
  • It first appeared in English literature in the 15th century, reflecting both military and metaphorical contexts.
  • The usage of this word has expanded to describe situations where someone or something is made harmless, not just in warfare.

Military History

  • In disarmament agreements, countries agree to reduce or eliminate military capabilities to promote peace.
  • Successful disarmament has occurred post-major conflicts, like after World War I and II, to prevent future wars.
  • Contemporary disarmed zones often aim to create peace in regions previously affected by armed conflict.

Psychological Perspective

  • Disarming can happen emotionally by making someone feel more secure, reducing defensiveness in interpersonal relationships.
  • In therapeutic settings, disarming techniques are used to reduce anxiety and promote openness.
  • The concept can also apply to arguments where someone is 'disarmed' by kindness or understanding instead of attack.

Pop Culture

  • The term has been used in numerous films and books, usually portraying moments of vulnerability or resolution.
  • In video games, disarming an opponent might refer to removing their weapons, creating a non-violent resolution.
  • Famous quotes in movies frequently highlight the theme of disarmament, emphasizing peace over conflict.

Literature

  • Many classic novels use the concept of disarming as a metaphor for vulnerability and trust between characters.
  • Poets often explore the idea of emotional disarmament, illustrating themes of love and connection.
  • In dystopian literature, the term often symbolizes societal control where the populace is metaphorically disarmed.

Translations

Translations of the word "disarmed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desarmado

🇮🇳 निहत्था

🇩🇪 entwaffnet

🇮🇩 tidak bersenjata

🇺🇦 роззброєний

🇵🇱 rozbrojony

🇯🇵 武装解除された

🇫🇷 désarmé

🇪🇸 desarmado

🇹🇷 silahsız

🇰🇷 무장 해제된

🇸🇦 مجرد من السلاح

🇨🇿 odzbrojený

🇸🇰 odzbrojený

🇨🇳 解除武装的

🇸🇮 razorožen

🇮🇸 afvopnaður

🇰🇿 қару-жарақсыздандырылған

🇬🇪 განაიარაღებული

🇦🇿 silahsız

🇲🇽 desarmado

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,034, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.