Personal armour is a protective covering worn by individuals to shield themselves from attacks in combat or other dangerous situations. The term can also refer to a set of shields and defenses that individuals use to safeguard themselves from harm. The spelling of "personal armour" is pronounced /ˈpɜːs(ə)n(ə)l ˈɑːmə(r)/ with the British English IPA phonetic transcription. It is spelled with an "ou" instead of just "or" as it follows British English spelling conventions.
Personal armor, also known as body armor or simply armor, refers to protective equipment that is worn by individuals to defend against physical attacks and potential harm to the body. It is specifically designed to absorb or deflect the impact of projectiles, such as bullets or shrapnel, as well as protect against slashing or stabbing weapons.
Consisting of a variety of materials and construction techniques, personal armor provides different levels of protection depending on its intended use. It typically comprises rigid or semi-rigid plates made from metals, ceramics, or composite materials, which are inserted into a carrier system. This carrier is usually made of flexible textiles or laminated fabrics, allowing for comfort, mobility, and easy adjustment to fit the wearer’s body shape.
Personal armor is commonly employed by military personnel, law enforcement officers, and security forces to enhance their survivability in combat or dangerous situations. It is also used by individuals engaged in high-risk professions or activities, such as bodyguards, private security personnel, or certain sports enthusiasts.
The effectiveness of personal armor depends on various factors, including the construction and quality of materials used, as well as the angle and velocity of the incoming projectile. While no armor is entirely bulletproof, it can greatly reduce the extent of injury or fatality caused by an attack.
As technology advances, personal armor continues to evolve, with ongoing research and development efforts dedicated to improving its protective capability, weight efficiency, and comfort for the wearer.
The term personal armour originates from the Middle English word armure, which directly comes from the Old French word armure as well. In turn, the Old French term is derived from the Latin word armatura, meaning arms or equipment for war. It stems from the Latin word arma, which translates to weapons or arms. Therefore, the etymology of the word personal armour can be traced back to the Latin term armatura.