unarmed
UK: ʌnˈɑːmd | US: ʌnˈɑːrmd
adj. not equipped with weapons
adj. lacking physical or emotional defenses
adj. (of a conflict) involving no weapons
The word "unarmed" combines the prefix "un-" (Old English "un-," meaning "not") with the root "arm" (from Old French "arme," meaning "weapon," derived from Latin "arma") and the suffix "-ed" (forming adjectives). It literally means "not equipped with weapons," reflecting a straightforward negation of the state of being armed. The term has retained its core meaning while expanding metaphorically to describe vulnerability in non-physical contexts.
The protesters remained unarmed during the demonstration.
She felt unarmed against his harsh criticism.
The treaty ensured the region would stay unarmed.
Unarmed civilians fled the conflict zone.
His unarmed honesty made him easy to trust.