deadly weapon

noun

deadly weap·​on
: an object whose purpose is to cause death or that when used as an instrument of offense is capable of causing death or sometimes serious bodily harm compare dangerous weapon

Note: An unloaded firearm has been generally held to be a deadly weapon. Although usually distinct, the terms deadly weapon and dangerous weapon are sometimes used interchangeably.

Dictionary Entries Near deadly weapon

Cite this Entry

“Deadly weapon.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/deadly%20weapon. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


A Good Old-Fashioned Quiz

Spell It

Hear a word and type it out. How many can you get right?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY