arm Definition

arm¹
noun

1a. In humans: either of the two upper limbs of the body, from the shoulders to the hands;
1b. A limb of an octopus, squid, starfish, etc.
2. Anything shaped like or similar to this.

Example: the arm of the record player
3. The sleeve of a garment.
4. The part of a chair, etc that supports a person's arm.
5. A section or division of a larger group, eg of the army, etc.

Thesaurus: branch, department, subsidiary, division, unit.
6. Power and influence.

Example: the long arm of the law

Derivative: armless
adj

Derivative: armlike
adj

Idiom: arm in arm

With arms linked together.

Idiom: at arm's length

At a distance, especially to avoid becoming too friendly.
Thesaurus: aloof, unfriendly, distant, remote, haughty.

Idiom: with open arms

Wholeheartedly; in a very friendly way.
Thesaurus: warmly, cordially, affectionately, joyously, wholeheartedly.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon earm.

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arm²
noun

1. A weapon.

Example: nuclear arms
Example: firearm
Thesaurus: weapon, gun, instrument of war, firearmarmaments, ordnance.
2. Fighting; soldiering.
3. A heraldic design that, along with others, makes up the symbol of a family, school, country, etc.

verb armed, arming

1. To equip (with weapons).

Thesaurus: equip, outfit, furnish, supply, gird, provide, accoutre, fit out.
2. To prepare (a bomb) for use.

Idiom: bear arms

To serve as a soldier.

Idiom: lay down one's arms

To stop fighting.

Idiom: take up arms

To begin fighting.

Idiom: under arms

Armed and ready to fight.

Idiom: up in arms

Openly angry and protesting.
Thesaurus: agitated, alarmed, aroused, excited, riotous.

Etymology: 14c: from Latin arma.

Phrasal Verb: arm someone against something

To protect them from it or from its effects. See also armed.

Phrasal Verb: arm someone with something

To supply them with it as protection against or preparation for something.
Example: He armed her with some inside knowledge