Pronunciation: [ˈɑːməd hˈɑːt] (IPA) 
The spelling of "armored heart" is straightforward. "Armored" is spelled with an "-or" ending rather than "-our," which is typical of American English spellings. The word "heart" is spelled as expected, with the "ea" digraph representing the long "e" sound. In IPA phonetic transcription, "armored heart" would be written as /ˈɑrmərd hɑrt/, with the stress on the first syllable of each word.
"Armored heart" refers to an emotional defense mechanism wherein an individual consciously or unconsciously shields their feelings and vulnerability from potential emotional harm or betrayal. In this context, the term "armored" symbolizes a protective barrier that surrounds and shields the heart, which is commonly associated with emotions.
The concept of an armored heart implies that the individual has experienced significant emotional pain or trauma in the past, leading them to develop an emotional shield as a means of self-preservation. It is often used to describe individuals who have faced various forms of emotional disappointment, such as heartbreak, betrayal, or loss, which have subsequently resulted in the fortification of their emotional defenses.
The armor acts as a metaphorical barrier that prevents others from getting too close or accessing the individual's true emotions. It may manifest as a reluctance to trust or open up to others, a fear of intimacy, or an inability to express vulnerability. This emotional armor can be protective for a short period, allowing individuals to heal and regain emotional strength; however, if maintained for an extended period, it can hinder the development of deep emotional connections and hinder personal growth.
Unraveling the armor of an armored heart often requires patience, understanding, and empathy from others, as well as self-reflection and self-compassion from the individual themselves. It involves creating a safe and nurturing environment that encourages emotional expression and trust-building, allowing the individual to slowly dismantle their emotional defenses and reclaim their capacity to love and be loved.
Calcareous deposits in the pericardium occurring in subacute or chronic inflammation.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "armored heart" does not have a specific etymology since it is a metaphorical phrase rather than a word with a clear historical origin. However, we can analyze the individual words to understand their roots:
1. Armored: The word "armor" comes from Middle English "armure" and Old French "armure", which both trace back to the Latin word "armatura" meaning "equipment or arms". It originally referred to protective clothing or military gear worn to shield the body from harm.
2. Heart: The word "heart" comes from Old English "heorte" which has Germanic origins and can be traced back to Proto-Indo-European "k̑ḗr" meaning "heart". It has symbolized the center of emotions, love, and courage.
