Basic Details
Word: Disarm
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To take away someone’s weapons or to make someone less angry or hostile.
Synonyms: Take away, deprive, pacify
Antonyms: Arm, armament, equip
Idioms and Phrases
- Disarm the situation: To calm down a tense or angry situation. Example: "The teacher tried to disarm the situation by speaking softly to the upset students."
- Disarm with kindness: To soothe or calm someone through friendly behaviour. Example: "He managed to disarm her with kindness after their argument."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The police were trained to disarm suspects without using force whenever possible.
Example 2: She hoped to disarm her critics by showing them evidence of her hard work.
Example 3: The diplomat aimed to disarm tensions between the two countries through peace talks.
Fun Fact
The word "disarm" comes from the Middle English word "disarmen," linked to the Latin word "disarmare," meaning "to free from arms." Initially, it referred mainly to taking away weapons but has evolved to include calming or soothing situations.
Famous Quote
"You can disarm hate with love." - Anonymous
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "disarm" mean?
a) To arm someone
b) To take away weapons
c) To decorate an object
d) To run away
Answer: b) To take away weapons
2. Which of these is a synonym of "disarm"?
a) Equip
b) Take away
c) Attack
d) Challenge
Answer: b) Take away
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "disarm"?
a) Disarm
b) Deprive
c) Equip
d) Pacify
Answer: c) Equip
4. Which sentence uses "disarm" correctly?
a) She tried to disarm the robot.
b) He wanted to disarm the angry dogs with a loud noise.
c) The magician will disarm the audience with his tricks.
d) The leader aimed to disarm tensions with dialogue.
Answer: d) The leader aimed to disarm tensions with dialogue.
5. What does the idiom "disarm the situation" mean?
a) To make things worse
b) To calm down a tense situation
c) To prepare for an argument
d) To leave the room
Answer: b) To calm down a tense situation
