weapon

[ wep-uhn ]

noun

1. any instrument or device for use in attack or defense in combat, fighting, or war, as a sword, rifle, or cannon.
2. anything used against an opponent, adversary, or victim:

   the deadly weapon of satire.

3. Zoology. any part or organ serving for attack or defense, as claws, horns, teeth, or stings.

verb (used with object)

1. to supply or equip with a weapon or weapons:

   to weapon aircraft with heat-seeking missiles.

weapon

/ ˈwɛpən /

noun

1. an object or instrument used in fighting
2. anything that serves to outwit or get the better of an opponent

   his power of speech was his best weapon

3. any part of an animal that is used to defend itself, to attack prey, etc, such as claws, teeth, horns, or a sting
4. a slang word for penis

Derived Forms

• ˈweaponed, adjective
• ˈweaponless, adjective

Other Words From

• weaponed adjective
• weapon·less adjective
• outweaponed adjective
• super·weapon noun
• un·weaponed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of weapon¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English wepen, Old English wǣpen; cognate with German Waffe, Old Norse vāpn, Gothic wēpna (plural)

Word History and Origins

Origin of weapon¹

Old English wǣpen; related to Old Norse vápn, Old Frisian wēpen, Old High German wāffan

Example Sentences

In their hands it became a weapon to justify their agendas — or at least a useful tool to expand their movements.

From Salon

As we face yet another wave of anti-immigrant policies, we must remember: History is not just a tool for understanding the past; it’s a weapon for shaping the future.

From Los Angeles Times

The 34-year-old was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and has been taken to a police station.

From BBC

The attempted murders were followed by the death of Dawn Sturgess, 44, in July of that year, after she was exposed to the chemical weapon which was left in a discarded perfume bottle.

From BBC

In limited cases, pardons can restore gun rights to those convicted of crimes that did not involve a dangerous weapon or relieve a sex offender from being required to register.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ammunition
• bomb
• cannon
• firearm
• gun
• knife
• machete
• machine gun
• missile
• nerve gas
• pistol
• revolver
• rifle
• shotgun
• sword
• tear gas