disarmament

IPA/dɪsˈɑːməmənt/
KK[dɪsˈɑrməmənt]IPA/dɪsˈɑːrməmənt/

disarmament — noun

1. the process of making a country, army, or armed group give up some or all of its

1.nounC1
Definition

the process of making a country, army, or armed group give up some or all of its weapons, often as part of a peace agreement

Example

The two presidents signed a disarmament agreement after months of private talks.

disarmament agreement

Tunde spoke on television about why nuclear disarmament still matters today.

nuclear disarmament

Common collocations
  • nuclear disarmament
  • global disarmament
  • disarmament talks
  • disarmament treaty
  • call for disarmament
Synonyms
  • arms reduction

    focuses on cutting the number of weapons, often by stages, rather than giving them up completely

  • arms control

    broader term for limiting or regulating weapons, even when countries still keep them

  • demilitarization

    goes beyond weapons and can include reducing troops, bases, or military activity

Antonyms
  • rearmament

    the process of building up weapons again after a reduction

  • militarization

    a move toward greater military force or influence rather than less

Grammar Patterns

disarmament of + country / army / armed group

disarmament talks / treaty / agreement

Usage Note

Usually used for countries, armies, or armed groups in political or military contexts, not for one person handing over a weapon.

Common Mistakes

The guard checked everyone's disarmament at the stadium gate.
The guard checked that everyone had handed over their weapons at the stadium gate.
disarmament describes a larger process or policy, not one quick weapon check.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

'Disarmament', 'arms reduction', 'arms control', and 'demilitarization' all relate to limiting military power, but they do not focus on the same thing. 'Disarmament' is about giving up weapons, often through peace talks or a treaty after conflict. 'Arms reduction' is narrower and usually means cutting the number of weapons, especially missiles or nuclear weapons. 'Arms control' is broader: countries may agree on limits, inspections, or rules while still keeping many weapons. 'Demilitarization' goes further than weapons alone and can include reducing soldiers, bases, or military activity in an area. In news reports, the right word shows whether the focus is on surrendering weapons, lowering numbers, or removing a military presence.

disarmament ↗arms reductionarms controldemilitarization

Common collocations

Nouns

  • nuclear disarmament
  • global disarmament
  • disarmament talks
  • disarmament agreement
  • disarmament plan

Phrases

  • call for disarmament
  • push for disarmament
  • agree on disarmament

Prepositions

  • disarmament of
  • disarmament by
  • commitment to disarmament

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

'Disarmament' is built from 'disarm' and the noun ending '-ment'. 'Disarm' reached English through Old French from a Latin root related to 'arma', meaning 'weapons' or 'equipment for war'. At first, the word referred to taking weapons away from people or forces. Later it became a common term in international politics for formal efforts to reduce or remove weapons, especially after wars or in nuclear negotiations.