armor

American  

[ahr-mer] / ˈɑr mər /

especially British, armour

noun

1. any covering worn as a defense against weapons.

2. a suit of armor.

3. a metallic sheathing or protective covering, especially metal plates, used on warships, armored vehicles, airplanes, and fortifications.

4. mechanized units of military forces, as armored divisions.

5. Also called armament.  any protective covering, as on certain animals, insects, or plants.

6. any quality, characteristic, situation, or thing that serves as protection.

   A chilling courtesy was his only armor.

7. the outer, protective wrapping of metal, usually fine, braided steel wires, on a cable.

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verb (used with object)

1. to cover or equip with armor or armor plate.

armor British  

/ ˈɑːmə /

noun

1. the US spelling of armour

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armor Idioms  

1. see chink in one's armor; knight in shining armor.

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Other Word Forms

• antiarmor adjective
• armorless adjective
• subarmor noun

Etymology

Origin of armor

1250–1300; Middle English armo ( u ) r, armure < Anglo-French armour ( e ), armure Old French armëure < Latin armātūra armature; assimilated, in Middle English and Anglo-French, to nouns ending in -our -or ²

Example Sentences

It was much easier this time, in a dress rather than a bathing suit, with the side lacer strapping me down tight almost like armor.

From Literature

The oversize blazers conjured up armor for the streets, as in, we’re outside taking care of business.

From Los Angeles Times

So even when the 60-year-old chief of staff of Benin’s army came to in the back of an armored vehicle, he still wasn’t sure why all this was happening to him.

From The Wall Street Journal

Because producing it requires nitrogen and other minerals, thicker armor represents a larger resource investment for each individual ant.

From Science Daily

Mr. Gallagher served as an armored cavalry officer in Iraq and is the author of the novel “Daybreak.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• bulletproof vest
• shield