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

Now, as American security guarantees look less certain and Europe races to rearm, Berlin is positioning itself to become the backbone of the continent’s defense industry.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

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

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