Definitions for "Arhant"
a Buddhist who has attained nirvana.
A term used primarily in Theravada Buddhism to signify a person who has fulfilled its ultimate goal, the attainment of nirvana. Upon death, the arhat will become extinguished. The arhat, as an individual, has attained full enlightenment, peace and freedom. This should be contrasted to Mahayana Buddhism, in which the ultimate goal is to become a bodhisattva--someone who uses the power they gain from enlightenment to help others.
in Hinayana Buddhism, the image of the lone and disciplined disciple, such as an ascetic monk who, through the working out of his/her personal salvation, strives to attain Nirvana.