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

Other Word Forms

• weaponed adjective
• weaponless adjective
• outweaponed adjective
• superweapon noun
• unweaponed 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

The government recently announced plans for an "integrated layered air defence", along with investment in long-range precision weapons to hit enemy territory.

From BBC

And it seems to be profitable for them, but I think it’s very very alarming to see music used almost as a weapon that way.

From Salon

I looked at these big, angry, loud green machines, with their 25mm chain guns, missiles and other weapons, and let out a deep sigh.

From Salon

With emerging weapons such as Luther Burden III, the Bears’ offense should find enough big plays to win a tight one.

From Los Angeles Times

“I mean, Letitia James in New York has every weapon in her arsenal that her general assembly can give her,” he said in the podcast interview.

From Salon

Related Words

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