disarm

Definition

To deprive of weapons; to deprive of the means of attack or defense; to render defenseless.

Etymology

From Middle English desarmen (“to divest of arms”), from Anglo-Norman desarmer.

Example Sentences

• "[recreation of speech given in 1775] They tell us, sir, […] that we are weak―unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? […] Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and a British guard shall be stationed in every house?"
• "The Japanese armored cruiser Nisshin has been hit badly. Shells have sheared off several main guns and virtually disarmed the vessel. In the middle of all this, one Ensign Isoroku Yamamoto loses two fingers to the remains of an explosion."
• "to disarm a man's wrath"