1. The act of equipping with weapons in preparation for war
   "The arming of rebel groups destabilized the region";
   - armament

1. Supply with arms
   "The U.S. armed the freedom fighters in Afghanistan"
    
2. Prepare oneself for a military confrontation
   "troops are arming on the Iraqi border";
   - build up, fortify, gird
    
3. Equip with protective features
   "The vehicle was armed with bulletproof glass"
    
4. Activate a system or device
   "Remember to arm the alarm before leaving"

Derived forms: armings

Type of: fix, furnish, gear up, militarisation [Brit], militarization, mobilisation [Brit], mobilization, offer, prepare, provide, ready, render, set, set up, supply

Antonym: demilitarise [Brit], disarming

Encyclopedia: Arming