armed robbery

noun

1. a robbery in which the robber is armed with a dangerous weapon.

Word History and Origins

Origin of armed robbery¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

He has served two jail terms, one for armed robbery.

From BBC

Ward was shot and killed in 1998 when he tried to thwart an armed robbery and fired at two suspects, including the shooter, in an underground betting parlor in Harlem.

From Los Angeles Times

Owens was sentenced to death in 1999, two years after killing Graves, after being convicted of murder, armed robbery and criminal conspiracy.

From BBC

“While parading as a social media celebrity, the defendant secretly engaged in a violent crime spree of armed robberies and attempted robberies across seven states,” U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said Pearsall was walking alone when the assailant confronted him and attempted an armed robbery.

From Los Angeles Times

More About Armed Robbery

What is armed robbery?

Armed robbery is the act of robbing someone or a place while armed with a weapon.

Robbery is the act of robbing—stealing, especially by force or through threats of violence. To be armed is to be carrying a weapon.

A person who commits armed robbery can be called an armed robber. Even if a robber does not use the weapon they are carrying while committing a robbery, it is still considered armed robbery.

Armed robbery is used as a name of a specific criminal charge. The sentence for being convicted of armed robbery is often much harsher due to the fact that a weapon was involved.

Example: The suspect is wanted for armed robbery and assault.

Where does armed robbery come from?

The first records of the term armed robbery come from the 1790s, but the term became much more widespread in the 1900s.

In general, armed robbery involves stealing something from someone while carrying a weapon. Most armed robberies involve weapons like guns and knives, but other things may be considered weapons, legally speaking. Even if a weapon is only used to threaten or intimidate a victim during a robbery, it is still considered an armed robbery.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to armed robbery?

• armed robber (noun)

What are some words that share a root or word element with armed robbery? 

• armed
• robbery
• rob
• highway robbery

What are some words that often get used in discussing armed robbery?

 

• weapon
• gun
• knife
• suspect
• crime
• charge
• convict

How is armed robbery used in real life?

You’re most likely to encounter the term armed robbery in news reports.

A man serving a life sentence for armed robbery had his prison time ended Tuesday by a Broward judge at the recommendation of the State Attorney’s Office’s Conviction Review Unit. https://t.co/LBGzx0ubnt

— Miami Herald (@MiamiHerald) April 14, 2020

Juvenile Crime Task Force officers arrested a 16-yr-old wanted for armed robbery at a local mall after spotting the suspect car in the parking lot. Here's what we found in the car. 1 of the 4 guns was stolen in Clarksville in 2016. pic.twitter.com/Tpc2OBFEgd

— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) November 30, 2020

In TX, many charged with crimes like armed robbery and drug dealing are being sent to reading groups instead of prison. http://bit.ly/a9wg7u

— National Book Foundation (@nationalbook) July 22, 2010

 

 

Try using armed robbery!

Is armed robbery used correctly in the following sentence? 

Armed robbery convictions often result in long prison sentences.