What is the meaning of arming?

noun

• The act of equiping with weapons in preparation for war.
  • synonyms: armament, equipping

verb

• Prepare oneself for a military confrontation.
  • usage: "The U. S. Is girding for a conflict in the Middle East"; "troops are building up on the Iraqi border"
  • synonyms: arm, build up, fortify, gird
• Supply with arms.
  • usage: "The U. S. Armed the freedom fighters in Afghanistan"
  • synonyms: arm