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

Kim Kardashian is expected to testify Tuesday in a Paris court about the shocking 2016 armed robbery that changed the course of her life and her career.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2025

Special attention should be paid to fingerprints of individuals charged with burglary, breaking and entering, armed robbery, and other similar crimes.

From The Science of Fingerprints Classification and Uses by Hoover, J. Edgar (John Edgar)