unfortify

Strip protective barriers

To unfortify is to remove fortifications or defenses from something previously strengthened.

A city might be unfortified by treaty, its walls torn down.

The word appears rarely, mostly in historical or military contexts: The treaty required them to unfortify the border region.

Figuratively, it can mean to weaken resolve or emotional defenses.

demilitarize

disarm

Remove capacity to harm

disarmamentReducing or eliminating weapons
decommissionWithdraw from operational use
dismantleSeparate into parts

denuclearize · demilitarize · arms control · nonproliferation · treaty · ceasefire · neutralize · deactivate · stand down · reduction

weaken

undermine

Weaken by stealth

enfeebleMake feeble or frail
debilitateTo make weak
impairTo diminish or damage

destabilize · degrade · erode · compromise · sabotage · cripple · disable · hobble · sap · diminish

expose

unprotected

Without safeguard or shield

undefendedLacking protective measures
unshieldedLacking protective barrier
uncoveredMade visible or known

bared · open · exposed · unsheltered · accessible · revealed · laid bare · unguarded · stripped · unconcealed

vulnerable

defenseless

Without means to resist

susceptibleEasily influenced or harmed
assailableOpen to attack
precariousDangerously insecure

fragile · insecure · at risk · helpless · unprotected · weak · penetrable · pregnable · endangered

Opposites

defensive strengthening

unfortifyfortify

Make stronger against threat

reinforce · strengthen · defend · shore up · armor

Family

fortify, fort, forte, fortress, fortification, fortified, fortifying, fortifiable, refortify

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G