unarmed
Americanadjective
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without weapons or armor.
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not having claws, thorns, scales, etc., as animals or plants.
-
(of an artillery shell) not armed.
adjective
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without weapons
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(of animals and plants) having no claws, prickles, spines, thorns, or similar structures
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of or relating to a projectile that does not use a detonator to initiate explosive action
Etymology
Origin of unarmed
A Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; un- 1, armed 2
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Her administration also spearheaded sending mental health teams or other unarmed responders to emergency calls that were once fielded by police.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026
We also know that unarmed dissidents who have been willing to protest one of the world’s most brutal governments do not lack for courage.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026
Gomez's Indigenous bodyguards are always unarmed, hoping to avoid confrontation, explains Jose Yatacue, coordinator of the Nasa unit.
From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026
The Scottish government said Police Scotland would remain an unarmed force and that its current capability was both appropriate and proportionate.
From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026
It was for him the same as it had been for Bors, when the unarmed hermit interfered.
From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
