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

Both support the effort to divert some 911 calls away from the Los Angeles Police Department, shifting them to unarmed responders.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 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

Hernandez counters with a list of accomplishments, including helping secure a $6.3-million state grant to house homeless individuals near the Arroyo Seco riverbed and advocating for a citywide network of unarmed crisis response teams.

From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2026

They are supposed to keep unarmed people alive Toño has told me.

From "Beast Rider" by Tony Johnston & María Elena Fontanot de Rhoads

Related Words

• helpless
• powerless