weapon

¹weap·on

noun \ˈwe-pən\

Definition of WEAPON

1

: something (as a club, knife, or gun) used to injure, defeat, or destroy

2

: a means of contending against another

Examples of WEAPON

1. assault with a deadly weapon
2. The pitcher's slider is his most effective weapon.
3. a new weapon in the fight against cancer
4. The mayor's campaign unleashed its secret weapon.

Origin of WEAPON

Middle English wepen, from Old English wǣpen; akin to Old High German wāffan weapon, Old Norse vāpn

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Weapons and Explosives Terms

automatic, carbine, cudgel, muzzle, rapier

²weapon

transitive verb

Definition of WEAPON

: arm

First Known Use of WEAPON

before 12th century