unarmed

American  

[uhn-ahrmd] / ʌnˈɑrmd /

adjective

1. without weapons or armor.

2. not having claws, thorns, scales, etc., as animals or plants.

3. (of an artillery shell) not armed.

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unarmed British  

/ ʌnˈɑːmd /

adjective

1. without weapons

2. (of animals and plants) having no claws, prickles, spines, thorns, or similar structures

3. of or relating to a projectile that does not use a detonator to initiate explosive action

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Etymology

Origin of unarmed

A Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; see origin at un- ¹, armed ²

Explanation

When someone is unarmed, they don't have any weapons. Leave your slingshot at home if you want to be officially unarmed. Sometimes the adjective unarmed has the sense of "helpless" or "defenseless," as when you hear about military troops attacking unarmed civilians. The word is constructed by adding the prefix un- ("not" ) to armed, which has meant "prepared for battle" since the 13th century, from its Latin root arma, "tools or implements of war."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

unarmed

In all but one instance, the civilians were unarmed.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 8, 2026

Nowak was alone and unarmed, the judge said.

From BBC ● Jun. 3, 2026

“American Skin” is, of course, also known as “41 Shots” and is the story of the killing of unarmed African immigrant Amadou Diallo by the New York City Police Department.

From Salon ● May 28, 2026

Sarian has said he supports the unarmed personnel program and wants to examine the LAPD’s current size and resources.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 24, 2026

Where I can come alone and unarmed, others can come with swords in their fists, he was saying.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

Related Words

• helpless
• powerless