armed

1 of 3

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 3

adjective (2)

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

—usually used in combination

long-armed

two-armed

armed

3 of 3

past tense and past participle of arm entry 2

Examples of armed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Once associated with the city’s armed conflict, La Sierra has built a new reputation through its specialty coffee, with 30 local producers who work directly with Rituales. — Nikkita Nair, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

Cassy also contributed to the creation of Fantome 509, the armed group that emerged in 2018 and includes police officers. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026

Many members of the public also described to reporters and on social media feeling intimidated, scared and harassed by heavily armed security guards hired by the film company to keep the public off streets closed for the movie set. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026

As two armed suspects approached the victim on foot, three more were inside the red Accord, pointing guns at him, Smith said. — Laura Fay, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026

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