armor

ar·mor

noun \ˈär-mər\

Definition of ARMOR

1

: defensive covering for the body; especially : covering (as of metal) used in combat

2

: a quality or circumstance that affords protection <the armor of prosperity>

3

: a protective outer layer (as of a ship, a plant or animal, or a cable)

4

: armored forces and vehicles (as tanks)

— armor transitive verb

— ar·mor·less \-mər-ləs\ adjective

Examples of ARMOR

1. The officers are required to wear bulletproof body armor.
2. The shots penetrated the tank's armor.
3. The armadillo's armor consists of a series of small, bony plates.
4. a weapon designed for use against enemy armor

Illustration of ARMOR

Origin of ARMOR

Middle English armure, from Anglo-French, from Latin armatura — more at armature

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to ARMOR

Synonyms

aegis (also egis), ammunition, defense, buckler, cover, guard, protection, safeguard, screen, security, shield, wall, ward

Related Words

arm, armament, munitions, weapon, weaponry; fastness, fort, fortress, palisade, stronghold

Near Antonyms

aggression, assault, attack, offense (or offence), offensive

Other Military Terms

bivouac, logistics, petard, salient, sally, supernumerary, tactical

Rhymes with ARMOR

charmer, farmer, harmer