arms race

noun

1. competition between countries to achieve superiority in quantity and quality of military arms.

arms race

noun

1. the continuing competitive attempt by two or more nations each to have available to it more and more powerful weapons than the other(s)

Word History and Origins

Origin of arms race¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told leaders that the world is in “the most destructive arms race in human history” and called on the international community to act against Russia.

From Los Angeles Times

He said all nations were threatened by a global arms race, as military technology advances, adding that "weapons decide who survives" and called for global rules on AI.

From BBC

In the Cold War there was a space race, an arms race and culture wars, too.

From BBC

This political arms race for power may seem both bizarre and confusing – but it is one that could spread to other states in advance of next year's national midterm elections.

From BBC

Republicans are kicking off a gerrymandering arms race that Democrats can’t win, according to the analysis of most election watchers.

From Salon