rearm

American  

[ree-ahrm] / riˈɑrm /

verb (used with object)

1. to arm again.

2. to furnish with new or better weapons.

   As soon as the new rifle was in production, the troops were rearmed.

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verb (used without object)

1. to become armed again.

rearm British  

/ riːˈɑːm /

verb

1. to arm again

2. (tr) to equip (an army, a nation, etc) with better weapons

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Other Word Forms

• rearmament noun

Etymology

Origin of rearm

First recorded in 1870–75; re- + arm ²

Example Sentences

European leaders’ determination to rearm has created a very profitable trade.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

"We must rearm to ensure peace on our continent," she said.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026

This push to rearm should be a powerful catalyst for its defense sector and broader economy alike.

From Barron's • Jan. 9, 2026

Factory orders in long-struggling Germany unexpectedly posted a sharp jump in November, boosted by higher demand for defence equipment as Europe rushes to rearm, official data showed Thursday.

From Barron's • Jan. 8, 2026

Hitler also initiated another program to stimulate Germany’s economy and create jobs: He began to rearm Germany.

From "Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti