Is 'armor' a countable noun?

No, it is generally a non-count (mass) noun. You refer to 'a suit of armor' or 'pieces of armor', not *'an armor' for the protective covering.

What's the main difference between British and American English for this word?

The spelling: 'armour' (UK) and 'armor' (US). All derivatives follow this pattern (armoured/armored, armouring/armoring).

Can 'armor' be used as a verb?

Yes, though it's less common. It means 'to equip or cover with armor', e.g., 'The factory armors military vehicles.' The participle is often used adjectivally (armored car).

What does the idiom 'a chink in one's armor' mean?

It means a vulnerable area or weakness in someone or something that is otherwise strong or well-defended.

armor

UK/ˈɑː.mə(r)/US/ˈɑːr.mɚ/

neutral to formal; 'armour' (UK) is standard in all registers.

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

protective covering, especially metal plates or covering worn by soldiers, knights, or vehicles to defend against attack.

Any protective layer, covering, or means of defense, including emotional or psychological resilience, natural biological coverings (e.g., animal shells), or specialized military vehicle plating.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

The term often implies a physical, tangible barrier but is easily extended metaphorically. It can be used as a non-count noun (e.g., 'a suit of armor') or attributively (e.g., 'armor plating').

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Spelling: British English uses 'armour', American English uses 'armor'. This extends to derivatives: 'armoured' vs. 'armored'.

Connotations

Identical in both varieties. Evokes historical military, chivalry, medieval warfare, and modern military technology.

Frequency

Comparable frequency in both varieties, adjusted for spelling. The metaphorical use ('emotional armor') is equally common.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

suit of armorknight in armorbody armorarmor platearmor-piercingheavy armorfull armor

medium

tank armoremotional armorsteel armormedieval armorwear armorput on armor

weak

ancient armorprotective armordamaged armorceremonial armorlayers of armor

Grammar

Valency Patterns

[verb] + armor: wear/put on/don/remove/shed armorarmor + [verb]: armor protects/covers/weighs[adjective] + armor: heavy/light/ceremonial/plate armor

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

panoplycarapacecuirasshauberkbreastplate

Neutral

protective coveringshieldprotectionplatingmail

Weak

defenceguardcoveringshelllayer

Vocabulary

Antonyms

vulnerabilityexposureweak spotsoft spotunprotectedness

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“a chink in one's armor”
“clank like a suit of armor”
“suit of armor”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Metaphorical: 'The company's financial armor protected it during the recession.'

Academic

Historical/Military studies: 'The development of plate armor in the 14th century changed battlefield tactics.'

Everyday

Literal or metaphorical: 'He put on his emotional armor before the difficult conversation.'

Technical

Military/Engineering: 'The vehicle's composite armor can withstand high-velocity impacts.'

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

The vehicles were armoured against small-arms fire.
They decided to armour the crucial supply trucks.

American English

The new models are armored to withstand land mines.
We need to armor the hull of the ship.

adverb

British English

The vehicle was heavily armoured.
The division moved forward, armoured and ready.

American English

The convoy traveled armored for safety.
The troops were lightly armored for speed.

adjective

British English

An armoured personnel carrier blocked the road.
He works for an armoured car service.

American English

An armored column advanced through the desert.
The cash was transported in an armored truck.

Examples

By CEFR Level

The knight wore shiny armor.
Turtles have a hard shell like armor.

Police officers sometimes wear body armor.
The tank's armor is very thick and strong.

After his heartbreak, he developed a kind of emotional armor.
Modern body armor is made from advanced materials like Kevlar.

The critic's sharp words found a chink in the author's intellectual armor.
The company's diverse portfolio acted as financial armor during the market volatility.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

ARMOR: A Really Metal Outfit for battle. Reminds you of the metal plates (AR-M-OR).

Conceptual Metaphor

DEFENSE IS A PHYSICAL BARRIER / EMOTIONS ARE ARMOR / ARGUMENTS ARE WEAPONS (so one needs armor against them).

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Avoid confusing with 'armoire' (шкаф).
Russian 'броня' can mean 'booking/reservation' (бронирование), which is a false friend. 'Armor' is only protective covering.
Russian 'доспехи' is a closer, more historical equivalent for a suit of armor.

Common Mistakes

Misspelling: 'armour' in AmE or 'armor' in BrE.
Using as a countable noun for a single piece: *'an armor' (incorrect). Use 'a piece/suit of armor'.
Confusing 'armor' (noun) with 'arm' (verb) or 'alarm'.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The medieval knight's was so heavy he needed help to mount his horse.

Multiple Choice

In which context is 'armor' used metaphorically?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it is generally a non-count (mass) noun. You refer to 'a suit of armor' or 'pieces of armor', not *'an armor' for the protective covering.
: The spelling: 'armour' (UK) and 'armor' (US). All derivatives follow this pattern (armoured/armored, armouring/armoring).
: Yes, though it's less common. It means 'to equip or cover with armor', e.g., 'The factory armors military vehicles.' The participle is often used adjectivally (armored car).
: It means a vulnerable area or weakness in someone or something that is otherwise strong or well-defended.

Explore

Related Words

shield