armed

1 of 2

adjective (1)

ˈärmd 

1

a

: furnished with weapons

an armed guard

also : using or involving a weapon

b

: furnished with something that provides security, strength, or efficacy

armed with knowledge

2

: marked by the maintenance of armed forces in readiness

armed

2 of 2

adjective (2)

: having an arm or arms especially of a specified kind or number

—usually used in combination

long-armed

two-armed

Examples of armed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

He was charged with armed violence, use of a firearm without a firearm owner’s identification card, possession of a fake ID and drug possession. —Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025

There is no record in the Salt Lake City event permit indicating that armed security would be present, police said. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 17 June 2025

Her presence turns out to be a godsend when, a few minutes into the ceremony, the place is swarmed by armed mercenaries (Stephen Dorff plays their leader). —Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2025

Kaine's resolution invokes the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which limits a president's ability to enter armed conflicts without congressional approval. —Amanda Castro hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

Middle English, from past participle of armen "to arm entry 2"

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective (2)

1500, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing armed

• armed and dangerous
• armed forces
• armed robbery
• armed to the teeth
• heavily armed
• one-armed bandit

Rhymes for armed

• alarmed
• disarmed
• unarmed
• unharmed
• charmed
• farmed
• harmed

Kids Definition

armed

adjective

1

: furnished with weapons

an armed guard

2

: furnished with something that provides security or strength

armed with knowledge

Medical Definition

armed

adjective

ˈärmd 

1

: having an arm or arms especially of a specified kind or number

—usually used in combination

long-armed

two-armed

2

: having a spiny rostellum

a tapeworm armed with numerous hammer-shaped hooks

Legal Definition

armed

adjective

ˈärmd 

1

: having a weapon

an armed assailant

2

: involving the use of a weapon

an armed attack