Arms — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms
Meaning & Definition of Arms
Arms (noun)
- a human upper limb; especially, the part between the shoulder and the wrist
- something like or corresponding to an arm
- the forelimb of a vertebrate
- a means (such as a weapon) of offense or defense; especially, firearm
- a combat branch (as of an army)
- an organized branch of national defense (such as the navy)
- a race between hostile nations to accumulate or develop weapons; broadly, an ever escalating race or competition
- an agreement to buy or sell weapons
- one of a military corps of 40 gentlemen who attend the British sovereign on state occasions
- a position in the manual of arms in which the rifle is held at port arms with the chamber open for inspection; also, a command to assume this position
Arms (verb)
- to furnish or equip with weapons
- to furnish with something that strengthens or protects
- to equip or ready for action or operation
Arms (phrase)
- to carry or possess arms
- to serve as a soldier
Arms (noun phrase)
- a summons to engage in active hostilities
- a summons, invitation, or appeal to undertake a particular course of action
- a tabard or surcoat embroidered with armorial bearings
- heraldic bearings (as of a person) usually depicted on an escutcheon often with accompanying adjuncts (such as a crest, motto, and supporters)
- a similar symbolic emblem
Arms (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
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a portable weapon from which a shot is discharged by gunpowder
"soldiers grabbing their arms and helmets and heading into battle"
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a large unit of a governmental, business, or educational organization
"a company that needs to beef up its marketing arm if it wants to compete in today's business world"
-
a part of a body of water that extends beyond the general shoreline
"this arm of the Atlantic is surprisingly peaceful, as the stronger ocean currents do not reach this far"
-
an area of land that juts out into a body of water
"Maine has so many long, narrow arms that jut out into the ocean that early coastal settlers found it much easier to travel by sea"
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the right or means to command or control others
"few criminals manage to permanently escape the long arm of the law"
Arms (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
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as in prepares, fortifies
Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Arms
The most common words with a similar meaning to Arms:
Antonyms & Opposite Words for Arms
Words with the opposite meaning of Arms:
Near Antonyms of Arms
Word Forms of Arms
Inflections: armed, arming, gentlemen-at-arms
Origin & Etymology of Arms
Middle English, going back to Old English earm, arm, going back to Germanic *arma-, masculine, (whence also Old Frisian erm "arm," Old Saxon arm, Old High German aram, arm, Old Norse armr, Gothic arms), going back to Indo-European *h2orH-mo-, whence also Old Church Slavic ramo shoulder, Bosnian-Croatian-Serbian rȁme, stem rȁmen-, Czech ráměk; a parallel zero-grade *h2r̥H-mó- gives Old Prussian irmo arm, Lithuanian (eastern dialects) ìrmėdė pain from gout, chill, fever (irm- arm + -ėdė eating), Sanskrit īrmá- arm, Avestan arəma-; Latin armus forequarter (of an animal), shoulder probably goes back to *h2erH-mo-
First known use: before 12th century
Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Arms
- CEFR level: B2 English Vocabulary — Page 2
- Topics: Conflict & Opposition
Words & Phrases Containing Arms
Frequently Asked Questions about Arms
What does "Arms" mean?
"Arms" means a human upper limb; especially, the part between the shoulder and the wrist. As an a noun, a verb, a phrase and a noun phrase, it is defined as: a human upper limb; especially, the part between the shoulder and the wrist. It has 6 distinct senses.
What is another word for "Arms"?
Other words for "Arms" include firearms, guns, heat, pieces, small arms, agencies, branches and bureaus. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Arms" you intend.
What are different ways to say "Arms"?
There are 153 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Arms". Common alternatives include firearms, guns, heat, pieces, small arms, agencies, branches, bureaus, departments and desks.
What is the opposite of "Arms"?
Antonyms of "Arms" include impotences, impotencies, deprives, dispossesses, divests and strips. Near antonyms include weaknesses.
How do you use "Arms" in a sentence?
Examples of "Arms" in a sentence: "soldiers grabbing their arms and helmets and heading into battle"; "a company that needs to beef up its marketing arm if it wants to compete in today's business world"; "this arm of the Atlantic is surprisingly peaceful, as the stronger ocean currents do not reach this far".
Is "Arms" a noun, verb, or adjective?
"Arms" can be used as a noun, a verb, a phrase and a noun phrase, depending on the context.
Is "Arms" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?
As a B2-level word, "Arms" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.
How do you pronounce "Arms"?
"Arms" is pronounced /ˈärm/ as a noun and /ˈjen-tᵊl-mən-at-ˈärmz/ as a noun.