Armaments Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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armaments

[หˆษ‘หrmษ™mษ™nts ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

military equipment

Armaments refer to military weapons and equipment used by a country's armed forces to defend or attack. They include firearms, artillery, tanks, aircraft, missiles, and other weapons of war.

Synonyms

munitions, ordnance, weapons.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
armaments

Used in formal or military contexts to refer to both weapons and military equipment.

  • The country's armaments are designed to protect its borders
  • The government is investing heavily in new armaments
weapons

A general term used in everyday language to refer to any object designed to cause harm or damage.

  • The police confiscated several illegal weapons from the gang
  • Modern weapons have become incredibly advanced
munitions

Commonly used in military contexts to refer specifically to ammunition and explosive materials.

  • The soldiers ran low on munitions during the battle
  • A storage of munitions was found underground
ordnance

Typically used in a military or technical context to refer to mounted guns, artillery, and military supplies.

  • The army's ordnance includes tanks, howitzers, and other heavy equipment
  • They found unexploded ordnance buried in the field

Examples of usage

  • Many countries spend a significant portion of their budget on armaments.
  • The arsenal was full of various armaments ready for battle.
Context #2 | Noun

equipment for a specific purpose

Armaments can also refer to equipment or tools used for a specific purpose, such as scientific research or industrial production. In this context, armaments are the tools or instruments necessary for a particular activity.

Synonyms

equipment, instruments, tools.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
armaments

Typically used in the context of military or defense to describe weapons and military equipment. Often used in discussions about national security or warfare.

  • The government invested heavily in new armaments to strengthen its defense capabilities.
  • The armaments race between the two countries has intensified.
equipment

Used generally to describe any set of necessary tools, devices, or objects used for a specific purpose, such as sports, work, or hobbies.

  • Make sure you have all the necessary equipment before starting the job.
  • The gym has top-of-the-line fitness equipment.
tools

General term for devices, often handheld, used to carry out a particular function, such as in construction, crafting, or repair work.

  • I need some tools to fix the broken chair.
  • She kept her gardening tools neatly organized in the shed.
instruments

Commonly refers to tools used for precision tasks, often in scientific, medical, or musical contexts.

  • The surgeon carefully selected his instruments before beginning the operation.
  • He played the instrument beautifully during the concert.

Examples of usage

  • The laboratory was well-equipped with the latest armaments for conducting experiments.
  • The factory had state-of-the-art armaments for manufacturing.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term traces back to the Latin word 'armamenta,' meaning 'tools or equipment for war.'
  • Armaments have evolved from simple tools like slings and shields in ancient times to advanced weapons seen in modern warfare.
  • The use of arms and armaments has been documented throughout recorded history, influencing many cultures and conflicts.

Military Strategy

  • The development of armaments has significantly impacted military strategies, often determining the victors of wars.
  • Nations invest heavily in technology and research to create more efficient and powerful armaments, reflecting their military capabilities.
  • The arms race during the Cold War exemplified how states proliferated their military arsenals to deter each other.

Cultural References

  • Armaments are often portrayed in literature and film as symbols of conflict, power, and the struggle for peace.
  • Many video games feature armaments as central gameplay elements, illustrating their importance in virtual combat scenarios.
  • Throughout art history, depictions of battles often highlight the armaments used, conveying the intensity and gravity of warfare.

International Law

  • Armaments regulation is governed by various treaties aimed at arms control to prevent unnecessary conflict and promote peace.
  • The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons seeks to limit the spread of nuclear armaments globally.
  • International organizations like the UN actively work towards disarmament initiatives to reduce the threat of war.

Technological Advancements

  • Innovations like drones and cyber warfare tactics have transformed the landscape of modern armaments.
  • The development of smart weapons, which can hit targets with precision, has changed military engagements dramatically.
  • Armaments technology now includes non-lethal options, focusing on incapacitating rather than killing.

Origin of 'armaments'

The word 'armaments' originates from the Middle French word 'armement' which means 'action of arming'. It has been used in English since the 16th century to refer to military equipment and weapons. Over time, the term has expanded to include equipment and tools for various purposes beyond the military context.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,710, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.