Forearm

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Forearm

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun and verb

Pronunciation

FOR-arm (noun); for-ARM (verb)  /ˈfɔːrɑːm/ (noun) /fɔːˈrɑːm/ (verb)

Definition

As a noun: the part of the arm between the elbow and the wrist. As a verb: to arm or prepare in advance — to equip beforehand for a coming situation.

Plain meaning

The forearm is the lower part of your arm — from elbow to wrist. To forearm is to prepare or equip in advance — the verb sense preserved in forewarned is forearmed.

Register

The noun is neutral and everyday. The verb is formal to idiomatic, primarily surviving in the proverb.