armed robbery

American  

noun

1. a robbery in which the robber is armed with a dangerous weapon.

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Usage

What is armed robbery? Armed robbery is the act of robbing someone or a place while armed with a weapon. Robbery is the act of robbing—stealing, especially by force or through threats of violence. To be armed is to be carrying a weapon. A person who commits armed robbery can be called an armed robber. Even if a robber does not use the weapon they are carrying while committing a robbery, it is still considered armed robbery. Armed robbery is used as a name of a specific criminal charge. The sentence for being convicted of armed robbery is often much harsher due to the fact that a weapon was involved. Example: The suspect is wanted for armed robbery and assault.

Etymology

Origin of armed robbery

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Ten years later, a different version of the painting was stolen in an armed robbery, along with the artist’s “Madonna,” from the Munch Museum across town.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

One of those men, serving time for armed robbery, said the reunion brought a rush of memories: “Seeing her in a dress, crying and running to me … that broke me down.”

From Salon • Nov. 30, 2025

Miguel Sifuentes, 27 years into a life sentence for an armed robbery in which his accomplice killed a police officer, says creating short film "Warning Signs" was "a transformative healing experience."

From Barron's • Oct. 26, 2025

That bill would have helped people such as Kao Saelee, an incarcerated firefighter who was released in 2020 from a California prison after serving 22 years for an armed robbery.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2025

In exactly three minutes Ned gave the Chief a summary of the routine necessary for a police officer to make a report on an armed robbery or other reported theft.

From Arm of the Law by Harrison, Harry