Armada ... This word is associated with something majestic, indestructible, victorious. No wonder in sound it rhymes perfectly with the "bulk" and "brigade", and in meaning it is close to everything related to military affairs, offensive, weapons. Surprisingly, Dahl’s dictionary doesn’t even have a clear definition of armada, the corresponding page sends the reader to familiarize themselves with the description of the noun “army”.
The semantic meaning of the word
What is an armada? In modern Russian, this term, of Spanish origin, means a large number of marine, land or air equipment, acting in concert, subject to a single command.
The word is often found in works of fiction when describing a powerful military corps, when the exact number of tanks, ships or planes included in its composition is unknown. It is worth noting that this term does not always have a positive meaning. The Armada in the novel of the same name by the writer Alexei Square about the rules that reigned in the Russian army of the 90s, is represented by a soulless and merciless monster that suppresses the human dignity of soldiers and officers.
Where and when did the first armada appear
In 1588, the Spanish king Philip II, at war with England, equipped a fleet of more than 100 units of rowing and sailing ships, intending to deliver a final blow to the enemy. A large combination of warships was called the “invincible armada”. This was to become a symbol of triumph, as the proud monarch hoped for imminent success when marching to the shores of Misty Albion.
However, Philip's plans were not destined to come true. The bulk of his powerful but slow fleet could not withstand the light maneuverable English ships, which caused a crushing defeat. Surviving ships on their way home got into a fierce storm, many crashed onto rocks, some sank.
A sad historical fact was that the phrase “invincible armada” began to be used with ironic overtones. So they say not only about the troops that lost the battle, but also about the associations of people who declared their grandiose intentions and failed to cope with the tasks.
Armada as a proper name
Today, there are many foreign and domestic companies in the names of which the word "armada" is present. These are construction companies, and information publishing houses, and agro-industrial complexes, and shopping centers.
For example, a Dutch record label that produces music CDs is called Armada Music. A Russian company specializing in the development of IT technologies and software is registered under the Armada brand. This name is given to cinemas, parks, entertainment, salons, emphasizing the reliability of their work.
In many cities around the world you can find signs belonging to various companies, which capture a beautiful and sonorous word that came to us from medieval Spain.