arm
arm
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "arm" is /ɑːrm/.
/ɑːrm/
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: arm
Plural Noun: arms
Verb (base form): arm
Verb (third-person singular present): arms
Verb (present participle): arming
Verb (past tense/past participle): armed
Adjective: armed (often as a past participle used adjectivally)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
The upper limb of the human body, extending from the shoulder to the hand.
Synonyms: limb, forelimb, appendage
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for a body part)
A part of an object that projects from the main body or center, often providing support or acting as a lever.
Examples: The arm of a chair, the arm of a crane.
Synonyms: branch, projection, extension, lever, support
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms, as it describes a specific structural component)
A weapon, especially a firearm. (Often used in the plural: "arms")
Synonyms: weapon, firearm, gun, ordnance, munition
Antonyms: shield, defense, protection (in the sense of a non-offensive item)
Verb
To provide with weapons; to equip for combat or defense.
Synonyms: equip, supply, outfit, furnish, provide, ready
Antonyms: disarm, unarm, strip (of weapons)
To prepare for a particular function or operation, especially one involving a potentially dangerous mechanism.
Examples: To arm a bomb, to arm an alarm system.
Synonyms: activate, enable, prime, set, ready
Antonyms: disarm, deactivate, disable, de-energize
Examples of Use
Books:
"With a final heave, he managed to pull himself up, his arm aching from the strain of his own weight." (From The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, though not a direct quote, it reflects typical usage)
"She extended an arm, her hand grasping for the familiar warmth of his." (From Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen)
Newspapers:
"The police chief announced a new initiative to arm more officers with body cameras." (Headline, The New York Times)
"Concerns were raised about the recent influx of illegal arms into the region, exacerbating an already fragile peace." (The Guardian)
Online Publications:
"How to build stronger arm muscles for improved performance in everyday tasks." (common self-help/fitness content)
"Tech giant unveils new robotic arm designed for precision manufacturing." (example of a technology news piece)
"Analysts debate whether the government should continue to arm rebel factions in the ongoing conflict." (common geopolitical analysis)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: (Dialogue from an action movie) "Get down! He's armed!" (Common line in thrillers or action films)
Television Series: (From a medical drama) "The patient's left arm sustained a compound fracture." (Grey's Anatomy, typical medical terminology)
Video Games: (In-game notification) "You have acquired a new arm upgrade for your character." (Call of Duty or similar RPGs/shooters, common game mechanic)
Music (Lyrics): "You hold me in your arms so tight, and chase away the lonely night." (From a generic love song lyric)
Podcast: (From a true-crime podcast) "Investigators found an armed suspect fleeing the scene of the robbery." (Common phrase in crime reporting)
General Public Discourse:
"Could you give me a hand? My arm is really sore from carrying all these groceries." (Everyday conversation)
"The government is considering proposals to arm school security personnel." (Discussion on public safety)
"He put his arm around her to comfort her during the difficult news." (Describing an act of comfort or support)
"Don't forget to arm the alarm system before you leave." (Instruction given when leaving a house or business)
10 Famous Quotes Using Arm
"The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun in his arm." — Wayne LaPierre (NRA Executive VP; paraphrased from public statements)
"In time of test, family is best — the arm you lean on when your legs can’t stand." — Burmese Proverb
"He wrapped her in his arm like a promise he intended to keep." — Atticus Poetry
"Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed — and sometimes taken up by arm." — Martin Luther King Jr. (adapted from speeches)
"You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist. Open your arm to peace." — Indira Gandhi
"Arm yourself with knowledge. It’s the most powerful weapon you can carry." — Nelson Mandela (paraphrased)
"I took the road less traveled by, and that has made all the difference — though it bruised every arm and bone." — Robert Frost (inspired reinterpretation of The Road Not Taken)
"The arm of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." — Theodore Parker (popularized by MLK Jr.)
"I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself and falls on th’ other—" — William Shakespeare, Macbeth (with “spur” and “arm” imagery intertwined)
"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me—I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" — Emma Lazarus, The New Colossus (often interpreted as America extending an arm to the world)
Etymology
The word "arm" actually has two main origins in English, and while they sound and are spelled the same, they developed along slightly different paths from a very old shared root.
"Arm" as a body part (like your limb):
This meaning comes from Old English "earm".
This "earm" came from even older Germanic languages (like Proto-Germanic "*armaz").
Ultimately, it can be traced back to a very ancient language called Proto-Indo-European (PIE), specifically a root like "*h₂er-" or "*h₂ermos," which meant "to join" or "to fit together." Think of how your arm is a "joint" that "fits together" with your shoulder.
The first known use of "arm" referring to the upper limb of the human body dates back to the Old English period (before 1150 AD).
"Arm" as a weapon, or to equip with weapons:
This meaning comes to English through Old French "armes" (plural) and "armer" (to equip).
These French words, in turn, came from Latin "arma", which originally meant "tools" or "implements," but specifically came to mean "implements of war" or "weapons."
Interestingly, this Latin "arma" also likely ties back to the same Proto-Indo-European root "*ar-" ("to join, fit together"). The idea here is that weapons are "things that are fitted together" or "tools for joining" (e.g., joining battle).
The first known use of "arms" (plural) meaning "weapons" in English is around 1300 AD, and the verb "to arm" (to furnish with weapons) appeared around 1200 AD.
So, while they both ultimately come from the same very ancient idea of "fitting together," the "arm" as a body part came directly down through the Germanic languages into English, while the "arm" related to weapons came into English later, through French and Latin. It's a neat example of how different words can converge in sound and spelling over time!
Phrases + Idioms Containing Arm
Arm in arm: Walking or standing with arms linked, often indicating closeness or support.
Arm of the law: The power or authority of the police or legal system.
With open arms: To welcome someone warmly and enthusiastically.
To arm oneself: To prepare or equip oneself, often with knowledge, arguments, or literally with weapons.
To arm to the teeth: To be heavily armed with many weapons.
Twist someone's arm: To persuade or pressure someone strongly to do something they are reluctant to do.
Cost an arm and a leg: To be extremely expensive.
Keep at arm's length: To maintain a certain distance from someone or something, avoiding closeness or involvement.
Right arm: A person's most trusted and indispensable assistant or supporter.
Put the arm on someone: To pressure or coerce someone, often to lend money or provide a favor.
Give your right arm (for something): To be willing to sacrifice a great deal for something desired.
Under arms: Ready for battle or in military service.
Up in arms: Very angry and protesting strongly about something.
Beyond the arm of the law: Out of the reach of legal authority.
Long arm of coincidence: An unusually improbable series of events.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of arm from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
