Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not carrying or using weapons: Describes a person, group, or military force that does not possess or employ arms (weapons).
   • Lacking natural defenses: Describes a plant or animal that does not have sharp, pointed structures like barbs, stings, or thorns for protection.

Usage

• The primary use describes a person or entity without weapons.
• The biological use describes organisms lacking specific physical defenses.
• It is typically used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb).

Examples

• Adjective (Person/Military):

  • The police confirmed the suspect was unarmed.
  • International law protects unarmed medical personnel in conflict zones.
  • The soldiers, now unarmed, surrendered to the authorities.

• Adjective (Plant/Animal):

  • The rose bush was a rare, unarmed variety without thorns.
  • Many unarmed insects rely on camouflage for survival.

Advanced Usage

• "Unarmed combat": A form of fighting without weapons, using techniques like martial arts.

  • He is trained in unarmed combat.

• "Go unarmed": To deliberately choose not to carry a weapon.

  • The diplomat chose to go unarmed into the tense negotiations.

Variants and Related Words

• Unarm (verb, rare): To disarm or deprive of weapons.
  • The treaty required the faction to unarm its militia.

Synonyms

• Defenseless: Lacking protection or means of defense.
• Weaponless: Without a weapon (more literal, less common).
• Nonviolent: Using peaceful means; not involving physical force.

Antonyms

• Armed: Equipped with or involving the use of weapons.
• Defended: Protected against attack.

Related Phrases

• With bare hands: Using only one's hands, without tools or weapons.
  • He fought off the attacker with his bare hands.
• Unarmed and dangerous: A law enforcement term warning that a suspect, though not carrying a weapon, is still considered a serious threat due to skill or intent.

Adjective

1. (used of plants or animals) lacking barbs or stings or thorns
2. (used of persons or the military) not having or using arms
   • went alone and unarmed
   • unarmed peasants were shot down
   • unarmed vehicles