Forarmed

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Equipped or protected beforehand so as to be ready to meet a danger or difficulty
2. Made ready in advance with weapons, knowledge or defenses against a coming threat
3. Having been provided with protection or preparation before a trouble or conflict arises

Etymology: "Forearmed" is formed in English from "fore-" meaning "before" plus "armed," so it literally means "armed beforehand." The idea behind it is the old proverb "forewarned is forearmed," which expresses the notion that knowing about a danger in advance lets you prepare for it. The sense of being prepared for trouble that is coming is built right into the parts: the warning comes first, and the armour follows. The word "armed" comes from Old French "armer," from Latin "armare," meaning to equip with weapons or armour, and it has been part of English for centuries. The prefix "fore-" has the same sense of "in advance" found in words like "foresee" and "forethought," and it has been used in English compounds since Old English times.