arms
0 antonyms and opposites of arms, grouped by meaning.
Noun — Weapons, especially firearms, considered collectively.
How to use arms
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French armes, from Latin arma ("weapons, tools").
Full origin of arms →Frequently asked questions
What does “arms” mean?
The word “arms” means weapons, especially firearms, considered collectively. In plain terms, weapons in general, or (in heraldry) a family or institutional emblem — "coat of arms".
How do you pronounce “arms”?
“Arms” is pronounced ahmz (/ɑɹmz/ in IPA).
How do you use “arms” in a sentence?
Here is “arms” used in a sentence: “The treaty limited the number of arms each country could stockpile.”
What part of speech is “arms”?
“Arms” is a noun.
Where does the word “arms” come from?
The word “arms” comes from Latin. From Old French armes, from Latin arma ("weapons, tools").
Is “arms” a common word?
“Arms” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “arms” have?
“Arms” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: weapons, especially firearms, considered collectively.
What is the difference between 'arms' and 'weapons'?
The two are close synonyms. Arms is the more formal, collective term, common in set phrases like the arms trade, arms race, or the right to bear arms. Weapons is the everyday, general word for individual instruments of harm. All arms are weapons; arms simply sounds more official or historical.
What does 'to bear arms' mean?
To bear arms means to carry, own, or be equipped with weapons, especially for military service or self-defence. It is an old, formal phrase best known from legal and constitutional language. Here 'bear' means to carry, and 'arms' means weapons — so together, to be armed.
Does 'arms' mean weapons or parts of the body?
It can mean either — they are two separate words that happen to be spelled the same. In this sense, arms means weapons, as in the armed forces. The other, unrelated meaning is the limbs attached to your shoulders. Context almost always makes clear which one is intended.
What is a 'coat of arms'?
A coat of arms is a different sense of the word: a heraldic design of shields, symbols, and colours that identifies a family, city, or institution. Despite the name it has nothing to do with weapons or limbs — 'arms' here refers to the old heraldic bearings displayed on a shield.