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disarmament

dis-ARM-uh-munt dɪsˈɑːrməmənt

nounC1GRETOEFLIELTS

FormalPolitical

The reduction or withdrawal of military forces and weapons. In a nuclear context, it refers to the elimination of nuclear weapons.

Implies a deliberate, often negotiated, reduction or elimination of military capabilities, especially weapons.

The story behind the word. The word 'disarmament' is formed from the prefix `dis-` (meaning 'apart' or 'away'), the root `arm` (from Latin `arma`, meaning 'weapons'), and the suffix `-ment` (which forms nouns of action). It literally means 'the act of taking away weapons.' The concept has been a goal in international relations for centuries, gaining particular urgency in the nuclear age as a means to prevent catastrophic conflict.

Word relationships

demilitarization: The removal of military forces from an area or the reduction of a state's military capacity.
arms reduction: A more specific term for reducing the number of weapons.
demobilization: The process of disbanding troops after a war.

armament: The process of equipping with weapons or military forces.
rearmament: The process of equipping with new or more weapons, especially after disarmament.
militarization: The process by which a society organizes itself for military conflict and violence.

Commonly confused with

non-proliferation: 'Disarmament' is about reducing or eliminating existing weapons; 'non-proliferation' is about preventing new countries from acquiring them.

Word family

disarm (verb): To take weapons away from; to reduce or eliminate military forces.

Collocations

nuclear disarmament
general disarmament
complete disarmament
arms disarmament
disarmament talks

Example sentences

"Global disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, remains a long-term goal for many international organizations." Discussing international peace efforts.
"The treaty called for the complete disarmament of chemical weapons within a decade." Referring to historical agreements.
"Following the conflict, the defeated army underwent a process of disarmament, surrendering its heavy artillery." In a general military context.

Memory hook

Think of 'DIS-ARM-a-ment' as literally taking away the 'arms' (weapons) from a military force or nation. Reduce weapons.

When not to use

For simply getting rid of something, use 'disposal' or 'removal.' 'Disarmament' has a specific political and military context, often involving international agreements.

Fun facts

The first significant international disarmament conference was held in The Hague in 1899, long before the nuclear age, focusing on conventional weapons.