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

According to the researchers, this approach of creating many less-protected ants instead of fewer heavily armored ones proved to be evolutionarily successful.

From Science Daily

So it seems like it’s disarming; it knocks the armor off of people’s desire to protect themselves.

From Los Angeles Times

I pull the hoodie on and feel just a tiny bit better, like I’ve donned a coat of armor to face the day.

From Literature

These forces would cross the strait on ships, launch into the water in speedy armored vehicles, and “swim” to the target beach in rows.

From The Wall Street Journal

At Lehmann Maupin, looking at South Korea’s policy of mandatory military service, Do Ho Suh has created a garment—part suit of armor, part ceremonial robe—out of more than 500 dog tags.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• bulletproof vest
• shield