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

The company has recently built four factories and is rushing to construct more than a dozen more to churn out everything from ammunition to drones and armored vehicles.

From The Wall Street Journal

The vines that overtook his body now have a Medusa-like quality near his head and shoulders, essentially serving as armor, Maher said.

From Los Angeles Times

Now she can fling armored vehicles, leap atop large buildings and bend the toughest of minds with a minimal nosebleed.

From Los Angeles Times

They fell silent as an Israeli armored vehicle rumbled past, its antenna swinging above the berm blocking the street.

From Los Angeles Times

This season, finally there were cracks in the armor.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bulletproof vest
• shield