weapon
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for weapon, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A tool or device designed to cause harm or damage, used in fighting or hunting.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use weapon
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English wǣpn, a Germanic word of uncertain deeper origin, related to German Waffe.
Full origin of weapon →Frequently asked questions
What does “weapon” mean?
The word “weapon” means a tool or device designed to cause harm or damage, used in fighting or hunting. In plain terms, an object used to fight or hurt someone, or figuratively, any tactic used against an opponent.
How do you pronounce “weapon”?
“Weapon” is pronounced WEHP-uhn (/ˈwɛp.ən/ in IPA).
How do you use “weapon” in a sentence?
Here is “weapon” used in a sentence: “Police recovered the weapon at the scene.”
What is another word for “weapon”?
Words with a similar meaning to “weapon” include arm and armament.
What part of speech is “weapon”?
“Weapon” is a noun.
Where does the word “weapon” come from?
The word “weapon” comes from Old English. From Old English wǣpn, a Germanic word of uncertain deeper origin, related to German Waffe.
Is “weapon” a common word?
“Weapon” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “weapon” have?
“Weapon” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a tool or device designed to cause harm or damage, used in fighting or hunting.
What are the main types of weapon?
They are often split by how they work. Melee weapons, such as knives and clubs, strike at close range; ranged weapons, such as bows and firearms, hit from a distance. A further divide separates conventional weapons from weapons of mass destruction — nuclear, chemical and biological — designed for far greater harm.
What is the difference between a weapon and a tool?
The difference lies in purpose. A weapon is designed or used to cause harm or damage in fighting or hunting, while a tool is made to perform useful work. Many objects blur the line: a hammer or an axe is a tool, yet either can become a weapon when used to injure.
Can an everyday object be used as a weapon?
Yes. Almost anything heavy, sharp or capable of causing injury can serve as an improvised weapon, even if it was never designed for it — a bottle, a rock or a kitchen knife, for example. What turns an object into a weapon is the intent to harm behind its use.