armado

Armado is a Spanish term with multiple related meanings, depending on context. As a participle of the verb armar, it functions as an adjective meaning equipped, armed, or prepared, and can describe people, groups, or objects that possess weapons or are prepared to perform a task. For example, una persona armada is someone carrying weapons, and una casa armada puede refer to being equipped with security measures.

In construction and civil engineering, armado refers to the reinforcement structure used in reinforced concrete. The armado consists of placing and fastening steel bars (rebar) to form a frame that will resist tensile forces when concrete is poured around it. The term encompasses both the process of arranging the reinforcement and the resulting framework, commonly described as armadura o armado de la estructura. Proper execution includes cutting, bending, tying, and securing the bars to meet design specifications.

In social and political discourse, the word is used to denote possession of arms by persons or groups. Así, un grupo armado es aquel que está compuesto o equipado con armas. The expression armado hasta los dientes is a colloquial way to say someone is heavily armed.

Etymology and usage notes: armado derives from armar, which originates in Latin armare, meaning to equip or prepare for battle. The term is widely used across Spanish-speaking regions, with nuances in legal, military, and construction contexts. See also armamento, armadura, armar.