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

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

Neither the communities nor Yatacue's guard can rely on the large-scale intervention of the state, only a few unarmed state bodyguards accompany them.

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

By all accounts, including the video evidence, Alex Pretti was a law-abiding, good guy with a gun, who stepped in to protect an unarmed woman from an assault.

From Slate • Jan. 25, 2026

It encircles us when we are unarmed and least expect it.

From "Salt to the Sea" by Ruta Sepetys

Related Words

• helpless
• powerless