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arms race

ARMZ rays /ˈɑːrmz ˌreɪs/

nounB2GRESATTOEFL

formaljournalistic

A competition between nations for superiority in the development and accumulation of weapons.

Implies a dangerous, often self-perpetuating cycle where each side's military buildup provokes the other to increase its own, leading to an unstable equilibrium.

The story behind the word. The term 'arms race' is quite straightforward, combining 'arms' (meaning weapons, from Old French 'armes') and 'race' (meaning a competition, from Old Norse 'rás'). It emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to describe the naval competition between Britain and Germany, and later became a defining feature of the Cold War.

Word relationships

military buildup: More general; refers to increasing military strength, not necessarily competitive.
armament competition: Similar in meaning, but 'arms race' is more common and evocative.

disarmament: The opposite process of reducing or eliminating weapons.
arms control: Efforts to limit or regulate the production and use of weapons.

Collocations

nuclear arms race
conventional arms race
technological arms race
fuel an arms race
win an arms race

Example sentences

"The Cold War was characterized by a relentless nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union, each striving for a decisive advantage." Historical analysis of the Cold War.
"Concerns are growing that the rapid technological advancements in AI and cyber warfare could spark a new kind of arms race among global powers." Modern geopolitical commentary.

Memory hook

Imagine two runners in a 'race' carrying heavy 'arms' (weapons), constantly trying to outdo each other in speed and firepower. Weapon competition

When not to use

Do not use for general competition; it specifically refers to military or weapon-related competition.

Fun facts

The concept of an 'arms race' predates the term itself, with historical examples dating back to ancient civilizations building larger fortifications or more powerful siege engines.

Related words

escalate, proliferation, militarization

Explore more words

escalation, first-strike, non-proliferation, brinkmanship, rivalry, disarmament