1 C1 informal
To distribute or supply weapons to external groups, allies, or forces.
"The government was accused of arming out rebel militias across the border."
separable
arm out
C1 informal separable transitive
To supply or distribute weapons or equipment outward to others, especially to external groups or allies.
In plain English
Give weapons or equipment to other people or groups.
What does "arm out" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To extend arms (weapons) outward to others.
Actually means
Give weapons or equipment to other people or groups.
Usage tip
Relatively rare. Used in military or political contexts to describe supplying weapons or resources to outside parties. Can also be used figuratively to mean equipping others with tools or information.
Words that pair with "arm out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
militias allies troops rebels forces groups
How to conjugate "arm out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
arm out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
arms out
he/she/it
Past simple
armed out
yesterday
Past participle
armed out
have + pp
-ing form
arming out
continuous
Hear "arm out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "arm out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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