armed robbery
Americannoun
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.