What does rearmament mean?
Rearmament is the process of equipping armed forces again, usually by providing them with new weapons, vehicles, technology, or other military equipment. It is commonly associated with governments responding to changing security threats or replacing aging military systems. The word can refer either to the activity itself, as in a national rearmament program, or to the resulting state of being rearmed. “Rearmament” is a formal term, particularly suited to defense policy, military strategy, and international relations, while the related verb “rearm” is more flexible and is often used directly in statements about a country or armed group. The word is closely connected with armament, but it emphasizes renewed or additional military capacity rather than military equipment in general. Its antonym, “disarmament,” refers to reducing or eliminating military capabilities.
nounThe act or process of equipping armed forces or a military organization again, especially with newer or additional weapons and equipment. It can also refer to the state or condition of being rearmed.
- The act or process of rearming or re-equipping armed forces.
- The state or condition of being rearmed.
"The government approved a major rearmament program to modernize the country's armed forces."
"Rapid rearmament allowed the alliance to meet its security commitments."
"The report examines the country's rearmament and broader military modernization."
The plural is uncommon; rearmament is normally used as a mass noun for the process or as a singular noun for a particular program or act.
"The two countries announced their rearmaments in response to regional tensions."
Rearmament describes the moment when a nation prepares for a new era of security by rebuilding its military capacity.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rearmament come from?
Rearmament combines the prefix re-, meaning “again,” with armament, the word for weapons and military equipment. Armament comes through French from Latin armāmentum, related to the Latin root armus, “arm.” The resulting word has been used since the early 19th century for the renewal or expansion of military forces.
Related word forms
How rearmament is actually used
Most often used in formal or political and military contexts. It is more common in discussions of national defense, security policy, and military planning than in everyday conversation.
Easily confused with rearmament
Rearm is generally the verb meaning to equip or arm again, whereas rearmament is the noun naming the act or process.
Armament refers to weapons or military equipment in general, while rearmament specifically means the acquisition or process of obtaining additional or updated weapons and equipment.