moral re-armament: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / HistoricalFormal, Historical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “moral re-armament” mean?
A specific historical movement advocating for personal and social transformation based on moral and spiritual absolutes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific historical movement advocating for personal and social transformation based on moral and spiritual absolutes.
The term can also be used metaphorically to refer to any process of recommitting to or rebuilding a strong moral or ethical foundation, especially after a period of decline or corruption.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant usage difference. The term originated in an international context, though the movement had notable activity in both the UK and US.
Connotations
For those familiar with 20th-century history, it connotes a specific interwar and post-war ideological movement. To others, it may sound like a general abstract concept.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, largely confined to historical or religious studies texts.
Grammar
How to Use “moral re-armament” in a Sentence
Advocate for + moral re-armamentBe associated with + Moral Re-ArmamentCall for + a moral re-armamentVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “moral re-armament” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The leaders sought to morally re-arm the populace after the crisis.
American English
- The community needed to re-arm itself morally after the scandal.
adjective
British English
- The moral re-armament conference attracted international delegates.
American English
- He was a key moral-rearmament figure in the mid-century.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Might appear metaphorically in leadership or corporate ethics discourse: 'The scandal prompted a moral re-armament within the board.'
Academic
Used in historical, theological, and political science texts discussing 20th-century movements for social change.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Not a technical term outside specific historical analysis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “moral re-armament”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “moral re-armament”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “moral re-armament”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to moral re-armament').
- Using lower case when referring to the specific historical movement.
- Confusing it with general 'moral education'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a largely historical term referring to a specific 20th-century movement. Its metaphorical use is very rare.
When referring to the formal organisation and movement founded by Frank Buchman, yes: 'Moral Re-Armament' (often abbreviated MRA). In a loose metaphorical sense, lower case is sometimes used.
'Moral education' is a general, ongoing process. 'Moral re-armament' implies a conscious, active effort to rebuild or regain moral strength after a perceived loss or weakness.
It was a spiritual and ethical movement that emphasised absolute moral standards (honesty, purity, unselfishness, love). It had Christian roots but aimed for a broad, interfaith appeal.
A specific historical movement advocating for personal and social transformation based on moral and spiritual absolutes.
Moral re-armament is usually formal, historical, academic in register.
Moral re-armament: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɒr.əl ˌriːˈɑː.mə.mənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɔːr.əl ˌriːˈɑːr.mə.mənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A re-armament of the spirit”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a nation re-arming its military after a war, but instead of weapons, it's re-arming its citizens with strong morals.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORALITY IS A WEAPON / DEFENCE SYSTEM. A nation or person can be 'disarmed' morally and must 're-arm' to be strong.
Practice
Quiz
'Moral Re-Armament' (capitalised) most specifically refers to: