Armour: meaning, definitions and examples
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armour
[ˈɑːmə(r) ]
Definition
protective gear
Armour is a protective covering that is used to prevent damage from being inflicted to an object, individual, or vehicle. It is commonly made of metal or other strong materials and is worn by soldiers, knights, and in some cases, animals.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| armour |
This term is predominantly used in British English. It is often associated with historical or fantasy settings, referring to a suit of protective clothing worn by soldiers in ancient times.
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| armor |
This is the American English spelling of 'armour'. Similar to the British version, it is used in historical, fantasy, or certain modern military contexts.
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| shield |
A shield is specifically something that provides protection by physically blocking an attack or danger, often used in both literal and metaphorical senses.
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| protection |
This word is more general and can refer to anything that keeps someone or something safe from harm. It is not limited to physical protective gear and can be used in a broad range of contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The knight wore a suit of armour to protect himself in battle.
- The tank was equipped with heavy armour to withstand enemy fire.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'armour' comes from the Latin word 'armatura,' meaning 'equipment for war.'
- In Old French, the word 'armure' was used to describe military gear, showing the connection to protection.
- The spelling 'armor' is common in American English, while 'armour' is the British English variant.
Historical Significance
- Armour has been used since ancient times, protecting warriors in battles from swords and arrows.
- During the medieval period, knights wore heavy plate armour, which could sometimes weigh over 100 pounds.
- Different cultures developed unique forms of armour, like samurai in Japan who wore elaborate layered designs.
Pop Culture
- In movies and video games, characters in armour often represent bravery and are depicted as heroes or protectors.
- The character Iron Man wears a technologically advanced suit of armour that grants him superhero abilities.
- Armour plays a significant role in fantasy literature, often depicted as magical or enchanted for added protection.
Science and Technology
- Modern armour includes materials like Kevlar and ceramic, making it lighter while still offering strong protection against bullets.
- Body armour is a crucial development in military and police forces, helping save lives in dangerous situations.
- Research into advanced materials continues to evolve, aiming to create even more effective protective gear for various applications.
Psychological Impact
- Wearing armour can instill confidence in individuals, providing a sense of safety in threatening situations.
- The symbolism of wearing armour can represent emotional protection, shielding oneself from mental harm or stress.
- In art and literature, armour is often a metaphor for barriers people create to protect their feelings from outside influences.
Translations
Translations of the word "armour" in other languages:
🇵🇹 armadura
🇮🇳 कवच
🇩🇪 Rüstung
🇮🇩 baju besi
🇺🇦 броня
🇵🇱 zbroja
🇯🇵 鎧 (よろい)
🇫🇷 armure
🇪🇸 armadura
🇹🇷 zırh
🇰🇷 갑옷
🇸🇦 دروع
🇨🇿 brnění
🇸🇰 brnenie
🇨🇳 盔甲 (kuījiǎ)
🇸🇮 oklep
🇮🇸 herklæði
🇰🇿 сауыт
🇬🇪 ჯავშანი
🇦🇿 zireh
🇲🇽 armadura