noun
rearmament
ree-AR-muh-munt/riˈɑːrməmənt/
The rebuilding or expansion of military weapons and forces.
Racks of new helmets and rifles show military rearmament in progress.
Etymology
The Latin word for an 'implement' underlies armament, which came to mean a force equipped for war and then the process of equipping it. 'Again' turns that process into renewed provision of weapons.
In context
But above all, his priority was rearmament, and the buildup of the German military in preparation for an eventual war to conquer Lebensraum in the East.
More examples
- The government increases defense spending to pay for rearmament.
- Neighboring countries fear that rearmament will lead to another war.
- Lawmakers debate the cost of the country's rearmament program.
Forms
rearmament
rearm verb — To supply military forces with weapons again.
armament noun — Military weapons and equipment considered collectively.
Similar words
- buildup
- Any increase in strength or resources, not necessarily military.
- militarization
- Increases military influence or readiness, not necessarily weapon supplies.