German word

bewaffnen

Pronunciation

IPA/bəˈvafnən/

Meaning

  • verbarm oneself

Example

Die Rebellen bewaffnen sich mit einfachen Waffen.

The rebels are arming themselves with simple weapons.

Illustration for bewaffnen (arm oneself)

More examples

Die Miliz bewaffnet neue Rekruten.

The militia arms new recruits.

Core concept

A person gains weapons and becomes ready to attack or defend.

Common phrases

  • sich bewaffnen mit Waffen

    arm oneself with weapons

  • jemanden bewaffnen mit Waffen

    arm someone with weapons

Similar words

ausrüsten: To make someone or something ready for use with suitable equipment.
aufrüsten: To expand weapons and military equipment to make armed forces stronger.
ausstatten: To provide a person or facility with the necessary fittings and items.

Definition in German

Bewaffnen heißt, jemandem Waffen geben oder sich selbst Waffen zulegen; das Verb ist transitiv und kann reflexiv gebraucht werden.

Word origin

The verb combines the prefix be- with Waffe, an inherited Germanic word for a weapon, to express providing someone with weapons.

Usage tips

  • The reflexive form commonly uses mit plus the dative, as in sich mit Waffen bewaffnen.

Other meanings

  • armverb

Opposites

  • entwaffnendisarmverb

Related words

  • Bewaffnungarmamentnoun
  • bewaffnetarmedadjective

Word lists with this word