# armed

/ˈɑɹmd/ (US) · /ˈɑːmd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/armed
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. carrying weapons

adjective · CEFR B1

carrying or using weapons, especially guns.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. prepared with information

adjective · CEFR B2

having the information or tools you need to do something well.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. ready for use

adjective · CEFR B2

describes a device or machine that is turned on and ready to work.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. having thorns

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical

having sharp parts like thorns or prickles.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The security guard is armed and ready for duty.
- Police officers arrived at the scene after reports of an armed robbery at the local bank.
- The negotiators entered the room armed with a wealth of data and several alternative proposals to ensure the discussion remained productive despite the tension.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.