WordGarden.ioweapon
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /wˈɛpən/
US
- /ˈwɛpən/
Meanings
Noun
an object used to attack, injure, or kill
something used to harm, pressure, or defeat someone
Beyond the definition
A weapon is usually something used to hurt, attack, or defend. You might first think of a sword or a gun, but the idea can be wider than that. A knife, a stick, or even a rock can be called a weapon if someone uses it to cause harm. People also use the word in a figurative way. They may say that words can be a weapon when speech is used to wound, threaten, or control. Context matters: a hammer is a tool for building, but if someone uses it to attack another person, it becomes a weapon.
The word "weapon" often brings to mind swords, guns, bombs, and other objects made for fighting. In its most direct sense, a weapon is something used to injure, kill, threaten, or defend in a conflict. Some weapons are specially designed for combat, while others are ordinary objects that become weapons because of how they are used.
Throughout history, people have used weapons in war, hunting, self-defense, and crime. Early humans used clubs, spears, and bows; later came swords, firearms, explosives, and advanced military systems. Because of this, the idea of a weapon is closely tied to danger, power, and conflict.
The word is also used figuratively. People may say that words are weapons when language is used to hurt, shame, or intimidate. In modern discussions, you may also hear that information, law, or technology has been "weaponized," meaning it has been turned into something harmful or used aggressively against others. Even then, the core idea stays the same: something is being used as a means of attack, pressure, or harm.
So the meaning can range from a physical object used in violence to a figurative means of causing damage. In every case, the word suggests harm, threat, or force rather than simple advantage or influence.
Examples
- 1
Police discovery
Police found a weapon under the driver's seat.
- 2
Stadium rules
You can't bring a weapon into the stadium.
- 3
Concealed carry
He was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon.
- Phrasecarry a concealed weapon
have a hidden weapon with you
- 4
Murder investigation
The knife was later identified as the murder weapon.
- Phrasemurder weapon
the weapon used to kill someone
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Improvised weapon
In a fight, even a bottle can be used as a weapon.
- Patternuse X as a weapon
use it to hurt or threaten someone
- 6
Disease prevention
Vaccines are one of our strongest weapons against disease.
- Patternweapon against + problem
a way to fight or stop it
- 7
Campaign attacks
Online rumors were used as a weapon against her during the campaign.
- 8
Hidden advantage
On this team, speed is their secret weapon.
- Phrasesecret weapon
a special advantage that others may not expect
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- weaponnoun
Forms
- weaponspluralnoun