weapon
WEHP-uhn
Weapon (noun) means a tool or device designed to cause harm or damage, used in fighting or hunting. Example: “Police recovered the weapon at the scene.”
noun
1
A tool or device designed to cause harm or damage, used in fighting or hunting.
"Police recovered the weapon at the scene."
"Guns, knives, and clubs are all considered weapons."
"The museum displays an ancient weapon once used by hunters to catch large animals."
2
Any means used to gain advantage over or harm someone.
"Silence can be a powerful weapon in an argument."
"Humour can be a gentle weapon against nerves before a big speech."
"The company treated low prices as a weapon to drive its rivals out."
How to use weapon
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn object used to fight or hurt someone, or figuratively, any tactic used against an opponent.
Common pairings
carry a weapon
weapon of choice
secret weapon
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Word forms
- Plural
- weapons
- Third person singular
- weapons
- Past tense
- weaponed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Police recovered the _____ at the scene.
Etymology
From Old English wǣpn, a Germanic word of uncertain deeper origin, related to German Waffe.
Related words
Rhymes for weapon
See all rhymes for 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.
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