Word
armed
US/ˈɑɹmd/
UK/ˈɑːmd/
Definitions
01carrying weapons
B1 · Intermediate
adj. carrying or using weapons, especially guns.
adj. equipped with weaponry, typically firearms; often used to describe military or criminal contexts.
“The bank was robbed by two armed men wearing masks.”
“The security detail remained armed throughout the diplomatic summit, maintaining a visible presence at every entrance to the compound.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02prepared with information
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. having the information or tools you need to do something well.
adj. furnished with necessary information, data, or resources to achieve a specific purpose.
“Armed with the right facts, she was able to win the argument easily.”
“Armed with a comprehensive market analysis, the CEO felt confident enough to propose a significant expansion into the European sector.”
Antonyms
03ready for use
B2 · Upper Intermediate Technology
adj. describes a device or machine that is turned on and ready to work.
adj. describes a mechanism, such as an alarm or explosive, that has been activated or made ready for immediate operation.
“The security alarm is now armed and will go off if the door opens.”
“The technician confirmed that the safety protocols were bypassed and the device was fully armed for the pressure test.”
04having thorns
C2 · Proficiency Botany Technical
adj. having sharp parts like thorns or prickles.
adj. possessing protective structures such as thorns, spines, or prickles.
“Be careful when pruning the roses because the stems are heavily armed.”
“The species is easily identified by its armed petioles, which serve as a primary defense mechanism against local herbivores.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “armed” in context.
Verb
01. remain armed
“The guards were instructed to remain armed until the high-profile guest had left the premises.”
verb + adj
Adjective
02. armed with facts
“The lawyer arrived at the trial armed with facts that proved his client's innocence.”
adj + prep
03. armed with information
“Armed with information about the market, she felt confident during the negotiation.”
adj + prep
04. heavily armed
“The building was guarded by heavily armed security personnel.”
adv + adj
Noun
05. armed forces
“She decided to join the armed forces to serve her country and gain new skills.”
adj + noun
06. armed conflict
“International organizations are working to provide aid to civilians caught in the armed conflict.”
adj + noun
07. armed robbery
“The suspect was charged with armed robbery after stealing from the bank at gunpoint.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“Niger has long been the target of attacks by armed groups, including jihadis linked to al-Qaida and Islamic State.” “Malian army says the soldiers were held prisoner by Tuareg and al-Qaeda-linked armed groups in the northern region.” Etymology
From arm (“to equip with a weapon”) + -ed.
From arm (“the upper limb of the body”) + -ed.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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