Overarmed: meaning, definitions and examples
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overarmed
[ oʊvərˈɑːrmd ]
military terminology
The term 'overarmed' refers to a situation where a military force possesses more armaments or weaponry than is necessary or justifiable for its operational objectives. This can lead to excessive spending on military hardware and may also indicate a readiness for conflict that is disproportionate to the actual threats faced. An overarmed military might struggle with maintaining a balance between offense and defense, potentially leading to issues in logistics and strategy. Critics argue that overarmament can escalate tensions rather than ensure security.
Synonyms
excessively armed, over-equipped, overmilitarized.
Examples of usage
- The country was criticized for being overarmed in the regional conflict.
- An overarmed army may deter aggression but also provoke fear among neighbors.
- Some analysts believe that overarmed forces can lead to more aggressive foreign policies.
Translations
Translations of the word "overarmed" in other languages:
🇵🇹 sobrearmado
🇮🇳 अत्यधिक सशस्त्र
🇩🇪 überbewaffnet
🇮🇩 terlalu bersenjata
🇺🇦 перебільшено озброєний
🇵🇱 nadmiernie uzbrojony
🇯🇵 過剰武装
🇫🇷 surarmé
🇪🇸 sobrerrearmado
🇹🇷 aşırı silahlandırılmış
🇰🇷 과도하게 무장한
🇸🇦 مسلح بشكل مفرط
🇨🇿 přezbrojený
🇸🇰 nadmerne vyzbrojený
🇨🇳 过度武装
🇸🇮 preoborožen
🇮🇸 ofurvopnað
🇰🇿 артық қаруланған
🇬🇪 მოსამართლებლად შეიარაღებული
🇦🇿 çox silahlanmış
🇲🇽 sobrerrearmado
Etymology
The term 'overarmed' combines the prefix 'over-' meaning excessively or too much, with the word 'armed', which refers to being equipped with weapons. The prefix 'over-' originates from Old English and suggests excessiveness or surpassing. The word 'armed' stems from the Old French 'armer', which means to equip for battle, and traces back to the Latin word 'armare', signifying to supply with arms. The concept of being overarmed gained prominence particularly in military discourse during the 20th century, especially during instances of arms races and the Cold War, where nations stockpiled weapons beyond their defensive needs, sometimes as a strategy of deterrence. Over time, the implications of being overarmed have affected international relations, arms control treaties, and discussions about military spending.