entwaffnend
Translation
disarming, charming
Examples
Sie hatte ein entwaffnendes Lächeln.
She had a disarming smile.
Seine Ehrlichkeit war entwaffnend direkt.
His honesty was disarmingly direct.
Grammar Patterns
((Adjective)) ((Noun)) modifies a noun. She has a disarming smile.
((Subject)) be ((Adjective)) used predicatively. His openness was disarming.
Similar Words
Synonyms: charming, winning; Antonyms: repulsive, hostile
Etymology
From `ent-` (away) + `Waffe` (weapon). It literally means 'to take away weapons'. Figuratively, it removes someone's hostility or defensiveness with charm.
Memory Tips
Imagine a smile so charming it makes someone drop their 'weapons' (defenses, anger).