Glossary

abrogate

(verb)

To abolish by authoritative action; to treat as nonexistent. “Abrogate a treaty” means to violate the provisions of the treaty and act outside the treaty obligations.

amend

(verb) (adjective: “amended”)

To change or modify for the better. An “amended” agreement has been changed in some way.

burgeoning

(verb, adjective)

Generating new growth; to grow and expand rapidly; something that is growing and expanding rapidly.

civil

(adjective)

Relating to citizens or a state’s citizenry. Also, “civilian,” referring to non-military groups or uses.

In general conversation, “civil” is also used to describe adequate courtesy and politeness; “civilized.”

confidence-building measure (CBM)

Measures that address, prevent, or resolve uncertainties or mistrust among states to reduce fear of attack or other punitive measure by both (or more) parties. For example, hotlines, people-to-people exchanges, and prior notifications of military exercises can help reduce tensions and promote good relations. Communication, constraint, transparency, and verification measures are some CBM tools.

delegation

(noun)

In a negotiation, a “delegation” is a group of persons chosen to represent a country or other interest.

divert

(verb) (noun: “diversion”)

To turn from one course of action or use to another. In nonproliferation, specifically to turn something from civilian use to military use.

feasibility

The extent to which something is capable of being done or carried out; capable of being used or dealt with successfully (e.g., suitable).

fission

(verb, noun, adjective)

The splitting of an atomic nucleus resulting in the release of large amounts of energy. Fission products are materials produced during fission.

malicious

(adjective)

With intention to cause harm to someone; malicious intent.

ore

(noun)

A naturally occurring mineral that is mined for its valuable element (such as metal). A source from which valuable matter is extracted.

outlier

(noun)

Something that is situated away from or classified differently from a main or related body; a country that is acting outside of international norms and conventions.

overdependence

To be dependent on something to an excessive or unnecessary degree.

proponent

Someone who is in favor of something and/or argues in favor of something. Note the prefix “pro” meaning “for,” or advancing or projecting forward or outward.

safeguard

(verb or noun)

A precautionary measure, stipulation, or device to prevent an accident or — in nuclear nonproliferation — to prevent an intentional act of sabotage or diversion of nuclear material.

spurring

(Present continuous form of “to spur”)

To urge or encourage something into action, or accelerated growth or development.

From: the noun “spur,” a pointed device secured to a horse rider’s heel and used to urge on the horse.

successor

(noun)

Someone or something that follows; one who succeeds to a throne, title, estate, or office. A “successor” agreement follows the original agreement.

supersede

(verb) (adjective: superseded)

To cause to be set aside, forced out of use. To take the place or position of something. A “superseded” agreement has been set aside or forced out of use.

sustainable

Referring to the use of a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged.

sustained

(adjective)

Something that is kept up or prolonged over time. A “sustained” chain reaction takes place slowly over months in a reactor (as opposed to instantaneously in a nuclear bomb).

transuranic

(noun, adjective)

An element with an atomic number greater than that of uranium.

vulnerable

(adjective)

Capable of being physically or emotionally wounded; open to attack or damage.