Word: Arms Race
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: An "arms race" is a competition between countries to build and develop more powerful weapons and military equipment than each other. It often happens when one country tries to become stronger, and other countries feel they need to do the same to keep up.
Usage Instructions: - You can use "arms race" when talking about military strategies, international relations, or historical events. - It is often used in discussions about security and defense.
Example Sentence: - During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union were engaged in an arms race, each trying to create more advanced nuclear weapons.
Advanced Usage: - The term can also be applied in a broader sense, to describe any situation where two or more parties are competing to outdo each other in a particular field, such as technology or sports.
Example: - The tech companies are in an arms race to develop the latest smartphone features.
Word Variants: - Armed (adjective): Related to having weapons. - Armament (noun): The weapons and military equipment used by a country.
Different Meanings: - "Arms" can also refer to weapons in general, or in some contexts, it can refer to physical arms (limbs). - "Race" can mean a competition in speed or a group of people with common physical traits.
Synonyms: - Military competition - Weaponry contest - Defense buildup
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: - There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly use "arms race," but you can talk about "keeping up" with the competition, which refers to maintaining an equal level of power or capability.
Example: - Countries must keep up with the arms race to ensure their national security.