What does "ARM" mean?

1. (body part) the part of your body between your shoulder and your hand. 2. (clothing sleeve) the part of a shirt or jacket that covers your arm. 3. (part of an object) a long part of an object that sticks out, like on a chair or a crane. 4. (branch of an organization) a specific part or branch of a large organization. 5. (weapons) weapons, especially those used by the military. 6. (to provide weapons) to give weapons to a person or a group. 7. (to prepare or activate) to make a tool or a security system ready to work. 8. (to provide information) to give someone the information or tools they need for a task.

How do you use "ARM"?

Almost always used in the plural form 'arms' when referring to weapons.

ARM

US //ˈɑɹm// UK //ˈɑːm// arm

1 body part (n.)
A1 Beginner Anatomy

the part of your body between your shoulder and your hand.

the upper human limb, extending from the shoulder to the wrist.

Example

He carried the heavy box under his left arm while opening the door.

Example

The athlete suffered a compound fracture to his lower arm during the final minutes of the championship match.
- limb
2 clothing sleeve (n.)
B1 Intermediate

the part of a shirt or jacket that covers your arm.

the portion of a garment that covers the wearer's arm.

Example

The arms of his sweater were a bit too long for him.

Example

She rolled up the arms of her linen shirt before beginning the messy task of repainting the kitchen cabinets.
- sleeve

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3 part of an object (n.)
B1 Intermediate

a long part of an object that sticks out, like on a chair or a crane.

a rigid projection extending from the main body of a structure or machine.

Example

She rested her elbows on the arms of the wooden chair.

Example

The mechanical arm of the robot reached into the furnace to retrieve the molten glass sample.
- extension
- projection
4 branch of an organization (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a specific part or branch of a large organization.

a functional division or branch of a larger administrative or corporate entity.

Example

The research arm of the company is based in Switzerland.

Example

The charitable arm of the corporation donated millions to local schools to improve literacy rates in the region.
5 weapons (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

weapons, especially those used by the military.

instruments of offence or defence used in warfare. Usually plural.

Example

The police were searching for illegal arms hidden in the warehouse.

Example

The treaty strictly prohibited the export of small arms to regions currently experiencing civil unrest.

Usage

Almost always used in the plural form 'arms' when referring to weapons.
6 to provide weapons (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to give weapons to a person or a group.

to supply a person, group, or nation with weapons or armour.

Example

The rebels were armed with modern rifles and grenades.

Example

The government decided to arm the local police force with non-lethal deterrents to manage the growing protests.
- equip
- fortify
- disarm
7 to prepare or activate (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to make a tool or a security system ready to work.

to activate a device or system, such as an alarm or explosive, so that it is ready for use.

Example

Don't forget to arm the security alarm before you leave the house.

Example

The technician carefully armed the explosive charges once the site had been cleared of all personnel.
- activate
- enable
- deactivate
- disarm
8 to provide information (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal

to give someone the information or tools they need for a task.

to furnish someone with the necessary knowledge, skills, or equipment for a specific purpose.

Example

She went to the meeting armed with all the latest sales figures.

Example

Armed with a comprehensive understanding of the legal precedents, the lawyer felt confident in her ability to win the appeal.
- prepare
- equip

Idioms8 entries