What does rearming mean?
Rearming means arming or equipping again after weapons or military capabilities have been reduced or removed. The word is used especially for governments, armed forces, militias, and other organized groups that acquire weapons, vehicles, ammunition, or other military equipment. It can also describe a broader restoration of combat readiness. In political discussion, rearming frequently implies that tensions have increased or that a former agreement limiting military power has ended. The word has a strongly serious connotation and is less common in ordinary domestic contexts. Although usually used in discussions of defense and security, it can apply more broadly when a group regains the ability to operate or fight. The related noun use refers to the process or policy of becoming armed again. Etymologically, rearming combines the prefix re-, meaning again, with arm, meaning to equip with weapons.
To arm or equip again, particularly with weapons or military equipment.
"The alliance agreed to rearm its border forces."
Often used with troops, forces, militias, weapons, or a country.
The act or process of becoming armed or equipped again.
"The treaty restricted the rearming of the navy."
Less common than the verb form and usually used in formal or political contexts.
The plural is uncommon, but can be used when referring to separate instances of renewed arming.
"The two rearmings of the militia were reported by local officials."
Rearming means doing something many people hope never to need: getting weapons and military forces ready again.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rearming come from?
Rearming was formed by combining re-, meaning again, with the verb arm, meaning to equip with weapons. Arm comes through Old French armer from Latin armare, a verb meaning to arm or equip for war. The prefix re- was added during the historical development of English to indicate repetition, so rearming means the process of becoming armed or equipped again. The word shares this history with related forms such as armament, armada, and disarm.
Related word forms
How rearming is actually used
The term is most common in military and political contexts. It often carries serious or alarming connotations because it implies renewed preparation for conflict.