armor

especially British, ar·mour

[ahr-mer]

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.

verb (used with object)

1. to cover or equip with armor or armor plate.

armor

/ ˈɑːmə /

noun

1. the US spelling of armour

Other Word Forms

• armorless adjective
• antiarmor adjective
• subarmor noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of armor¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

see chink in one's armor; knight in shining armor.

Example Sentences

The video shows a man in green fatigues and body armor saying he has a warrant for her arrest, while reaching through what appears to be the shattered driver’s side window of her car.

From Los Angeles Times

One beautiful evening, a dozen people were gawking at the LAV-25 armored vehicles.

From Salon

Additionally, it prevents him from owning firearms or body armor.

From Los Angeles Times

Then, an armored vehicle known as a BearCat, broadsided the big rig in an attempt to stop it.

From Los Angeles Times

Maybe the intention was that Sarah, an avowed man-eater, uses her beauty as armor.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bulletproof vest www.thesaurus.com
• shield