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unarmed

adj.
US //əˈnɑɹmd// UK //ʌnˈɑːmd// un·armed
  1. 1 without weapons (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    not carrying or using any weapons like guns or knives.

    lacking weapons or means of physical defence; typically used of persons or groups.

    Example

    The police realized the suspect was unarmed and lowered their guns.

    Example

    International law provides specific protections for unarmed civilians during times of conflict, though these are frequently violated in modern warfare.
  2. 2 without thorns or claws (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    not having thorns, stingers, or sharp claws to defend itself.

    lacking natural defensive appendages such as thorns, spines, or talons.

    Example

    This specific type of cactus is unarmed and safe to touch.

    Example

    The botanist noted that the specimen was entirely unarmed, lacking the characteristic prickles found on related species in the same genus.
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  1. 3 without a telescope (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic Science

    using only your eyes to see, without the help of a telescope or microscope.

    referring to vision or observation conducted without the aid of optical instruments.

    Example

    In the old book, the sailor described seeing the distant island with his unarmed eye.

    Example

    The eighteenth-century astronomer recorded several celestial phenomena that were barely perceptible to the unarmed vision of his assistants.

    Usage

    In modern English, 'naked eye' is almost always used instead of 'unarmed eye'.
Origin

From un- + armed.

Word family

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