arm
noun (countable)
UK/ɑːm/US/ɑrm/
the upper limb of the human body, extending from the shoulder to the wrist or hand; also, a branch or division of an organization
Example Sentences
He injured his arm while playing basketball.
The child clung to his mother’s arm in the crowded mall.
Their company has a new marketing arm that focuses on social media campaigns.
She rested her arm on the table while sipping her coffee.
You should wear protective gear on your arm to prevent further injury.
The humanitarian arm of the organization provides relief to those affected by natural disasters.
When setting up a workstation, adjust the chair’s arm support to maintain a comfortable and ergonomic posture throughout the workday.
Despite the challenges, the charity’s local arm continued its operations, recruiting volunteers and gathering resources to bring immediate assistance to the most vulnerable communities.
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Synonyms
verb (transitive)
UK/ɑːm/US/ɑrm/
to provide with weapons, equipment, or necessary tools; to prepare for confrontation or conflict
Example Sentences
The general decided to arm the troops with new equipment.
Some civilians feel the need to arm themselves for protection.
They began to arm the security personnel before the event started.
He tried to arm his team with all the information they needed.
It is critical to arm yourself with facts and evidence when engaging in a debate.
The government will arm the rescue units with advanced technology.
As the storm approached, officials took steps to arm local communities with emergency supplies, ensuring everyone had access to clean water and food rations.
Before launching the new software, the company worked hard to arm its employees with comprehensive training, empowering them to troubleshoot potential issues and guide clients efficiently.
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Antonyms
How to Use
A body limb from shoulder to hand, or to equip for defenseThe word “arm” can function as both a noun and a verb, so understanding the context helps you use it correctly. As a noun, it refers to the upper limb that extends from the shoulder to the wrist (and hand). In this sense, you can say, “My arm hurts after carrying those boxes,” or “He has a tattoo on his arm.” In a more metaphorical sense, some phrases rely on the idea of arms, such as “arm in arm,” which suggests a close connection between people. As a verb, “to arm” means to supply someone or something with weapons or instruments of defense. You might see it used in historical or political contexts, such as “They decided to arm the troops before sending them to the border,” or in modern discussions about security, e.g., “The security team was armed with the latest protective equipment.” The verb can also apply metaphorically to non-military scenarios, like “Arm yourself with knowledge before entering the debate.” The key is to determine whether you’re referring to the physical body part or the act of equipping with something (usually weapons or protection).
Alternatives
When looking for synonyms or related expressions to avoid repetition, context is crucial. For the noun sense, words like “limb” or “appendage” fit if you’re focusing on the body. However, these terms might sound a bit clinical or specific, so you can also describe the same concept simply by referencing “the upper limb” when more formal writing is required. In casual conversation, you can say, “hurt my shoulder and arm” or refer to each specific part (e.g., “bicep,” “forearm,” “wrist”) if needed. For the verb sense, consider “equip,” “provide,” or “furnish” if you’re talking about enabling someone with the necessary tools, especially in a broader context like preparing someone for a challenge or a task. For explicitly military or security contexts, “arm” is generally the most direct choice, but “outfit,” “supply,” or “gear up” can convey similar ideas with slightly different tones. Each alternative helps you fine-tune your message, whether you’re emphasizing preparedness, technical provision, or a simple act of gearing someone or something for action.
Writing
When writing about “arm” in a formal or academic setting, clarity around its intended meaning is essential. If discussing anatomy or health, identify which part of the arm is relevant, such as the forearm or upper arm, and be specific about the context. For example, “The study measured muscle strength in the dominant arm.” In a historical essay, you might say, “Medieval knights were heavily armed before battle,” highlighting the verb form related to equipping soldiers for combat. If you’re contrasting physical arms with the action of arming, use transitional sentences to clarify which definition you mean: “While a knight’s armor protected his arms (body parts), the king armed (equipped) him with a sword and shield.” This distinction helps readers easily navigate the two meanings. Make sure to use appropriate citations or references if you’re discussing arms in a legal or policy context, such as firearms legislation. By carefully distinguishing between the noun and verb senses of “arm,” your writing remains precise and coherent, reflecting a strong command of language and ensuring that your readers clearly understand your points.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “arm” is most often used for the body part, whether you’re talking about an injury, a workout, or a tattoo. For instance, you might say, “I worked out too hard yesterday, and now my arms are sore.” The word can also crop up in more lighthearted contexts, like, “I love how those sleeves show off your arms.” On the flip side, using it as a verb is common in discussions about security or self-defense: “They armed themselves with pepper spray before going on a late-night walk.” Sometimes, you’ll hear casual metaphors like “arm yourself with patience” if you’re about to deal with a difficult task or “go in armed with the facts” when you’re gearing up for a tricky discussion. These figurative uses can add depth or humor to day-to-day speech. Just keep the atmosphere in mind—“arm” in more serious contexts can suggest weapons, so be sure your tone matches the topic. If you’re just talking about the human body, keep it simple and mention a bruised arm or a new tattoo rather than implying something more dramatic.
Etymology
The term “arm” as a body part descends from the Old English “earm,” which itself draws on Proto-Germanic roots, reflecting a longstanding reference to the upper limb. Early uses described not only the limb but also its functions in labor and combat. Meanwhile, the verb “to arm” stems from the Latin “armare,” meaning “to furnish with weapons,” introduced to English through Old French influences. This dual evolution underscores how the same root captured both the physical tool humans used for work and the process of preparing for defense or battle. Over centuries, English speakers naturally merged the concept of a limb (vital for wielding instruments or weapons) with the act of equipping oneself or others. This dual usage persisted, reflecting humanity’s historical need for both physical capability and readiness in conflict. As societies advanced and contexts diversified, “arm” came to be employed in more metaphorical senses, such as “arming oneself with information.” Today, these parallel meanings remain, reminding us of language’s ability to bridge the tangible and the symbolic.
