arsenal
A collection of weapons and military equipment stored by a country, person, or group; also, a place where weapons are made or stored. Metaphorically, a collection of resources or capabilities.
Can refer to the physical storage facility, the collection of weapons itself, or a figurative collection of powerful resources.
Word relationships
- armory: Often refers specifically to a place where arms are kept or made, similar to 'arsenal'.
- magazine: A place for storing ammunition or explosives, or a storehouse for military provisions.
- stockpile: A large accumulated stock of goods or materials, often for future use; 'arsenal' is specifically for weapons.
Collocations
- nuclear arsenal
- conventional arsenal
- weapons arsenal
- expand arsenal
- deplete arsenal
Idioms & expressions
- an arsenal of arguments/facts
Example sentences
- "The country maintained a vast arsenal of conventional and nuclear weapons to ensure its national security." Discussing a nation's military strength.
- "The old military arsenal was converted into a museum, showcasing historical firearms." Referring to a place where weapons are stored.
- "The lawyer arrived in court with an impressive arsenal of legal arguments and precedents." Using the word metaphorically.
Memory hook
Imagine an 'ARMY-nal' of weapons – a huge collection for an army. Weapons store.
When not to use
For a small, personal collection of everyday items, 'collection' or 'stash' is more appropriate. 'Arsenal' implies a significant, often military, collection.
Fun facts
- The famous football club Arsenal FC in London takes its name from the Royal Arsenal, a munitions factory where it was founded by workers in 1886.
Explore more words
ordnance, repository, archive, deployment, muster, collection
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