Armed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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armed

[ษ‘หrmd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

military

Equipped with or carrying weapons.

Synonyms

equipped, militarized, weaponed.

Examples of usage

  • The soldiers were armed with rifles and grenades.
  • The suspect was considered armed and dangerous.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To provide oneself with a weapon or weapons.

Synonyms

equip, furnish, supply.

Examples of usage

  • He armed himself with a knife before entering the dark alley.
  • The security guard armed himself with a handgun.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • In ancient times, being armed was crucial for survival, as warriors protected their tribes and territories.
  • The concept of 'armed' often distinguished between those who could defend themselves and those who couldn't, influencing social hierarchies.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'The Terminator' and 'Die Hard' often feature characters who are armed, showcasing themes of heroism and conflict.
  • In video games, players often 'arm' their characters with various weapons to combat challenges and enemies.

Law and Society

  • Different countries have varying laws about who can be armed and under what circumstances, reflecting cultural attitudes toward weapons.
  • The term 'armed robbery' denotes a crime involving the use of weapons to threaten or harm, highlighting the serious nature of being armed.

Psychology

  • Feeling armed can boost confidence, as it may provide a sense of security and power in threatening situations.
  • Conversely, being in an environment where many are armed can lead to increased anxiety and fear among people.

Origin of 'armed'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Armed' comes from the Old English word 'earm,' which means to equip or fit out.
  • The word has roots in Latin and Old French, reflecting the historical practice of carrying weapons for protection.

The word 'armed' originated from the Middle English word 'armyd' which came from the Old French word 'armรฉ', past participle of 'armer' meaning 'to arm'. The term has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to being equipped with weapons.


See also: arm, armband, armlet, armlets, armor, armory, armour, armoury, arms, army, disarm, disarmed, unarm, unarmed.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,589, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.