arming

(noun) the act of equiping with weapons in preparation for war. Synonyms: armament, equipping.

(verb) prepare oneself for a military confrontation. Synonyms: arm, build up, fortify, gird. Examples: "The u.s. is girding for a conflict in the middle east." "Troops are building up on the iraqi border."

(verb) supply with arms. Synonyms: arm. Example: "The u.s. armed the freedom fighters in afghanistan."