Synonyms of armednext
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
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Adjective
Sectarian tensions and the disrupting force of the Cold War plunged the Middle Eastern nation into decades of armed conflict, with a chilling effect on daily life. — Shy Clara Thompson, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026 Federal law prohibits armed federal agents from conducting activities in and around polling places unless force is necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States. — Ana Goñi-Lessan, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026 In 2024, there was a potential assassination attempt against him involving an armed person, according to the script's account. — Chelsea Jones, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 Igoe said the armed suspect was being held at gunpoint by the CHP officer before the suspect got back in his vehicle and drove away. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for armed

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of armed was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Armed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/armed. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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

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

1
: having a weapon
an armed assailant
2
: involving the use of a weapon
an armed attack

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