Arms deal – Definition & Meaning

Arms deal is a term that is commonly used in the context of international relations and military affairs. It refers to the buying and selling of weapons, military equipment, and other related technologies between different countries or entities. Arms deals can involve large sums of money and have significant political and strategic implications.

Definitions

An arms deal can be defined as a transaction between two or more parties that involves the sale or purchase of weapons or military equipment. It can also refer to the negotiation and agreement of terms related to such a transaction.

Origin

The origin of arms deals can be traced back to the earliest days of human civilization, when tribes and nations would trade weapons and other military equipment to gain an advantage over their enemies. In modern times, arms deals have become a major industry, with countries and companies around the world engaging in the buying and selling of weapons and military technology.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, an arms deal is “an agreement between two or more parties to buy or sell weapons or military equipment.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “a transaction involving the sale or purchase of weapons or military equipment.”

Associations

Arms deals are often associated with political and strategic considerations, as countries seek to gain an advantage over their rivals by acquiring advanced weapons and military technology. They can also be controversial, as some argue that the sale of weapons to certain countries or entities could contribute to instability or human rights abuses.

Synonyms

Some synonyms for arms deal include arms trade, weapons deal, military sale, and defense procurement.

Antonyms

Antonyms for arms deal could include disarmament, peace negotiations, and diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts without resorting to military force.

The same root words

The root words of arms deal are “arms,” which refers to weapons and military equipment, and “deal,” which refers to a transaction or agreement.

Example Sentences

1. The United States recently signed an arms deal with Saudi Arabia worth over $100 billion.
2. The government is facing criticism for its arms deals with countries that have poor human rights records.
3. The arms deal between Russia and India has been a major source of tension between India and Pakistan.
4. The United Nations is calling for an end to the arms trade in order to promote global peace and security.