weapon

weapon — noun

1. an object that is designed or used to hurt people, damage things, or gain an adv

1.nounB1
Definition

an object that is designed or used to hurt people, damage things, or gain an advantage in a fight — guns, knives, bombs, clubs, and even things like stones or bottles can be used as weapons.

Example

The soldier carried a rifle and two smaller weapons in his backpack.

collocation: carry a weapon

During the fight, Tuan grabbed a kitchen knife to use as a weapon.

everyday object used as a weapon

Common collocations
  • carry a weapon
  • use a weapon
  • deadly weapon
  • nuclear weapon
  • chemical weapon
Synonyms
  • arm

    usually plural (arms), often refers to military weapons and equipment in a formal context

  • tool

    broader; a tool is for making or doing things, while a weapon is specifically for harming or fighting

  • instrument

    more formal and neutral; can refer to anything used to achieve a purpose

Usage Note

A weapon does not need to be a traditional tool like a gun or knife — any object used with the intent to harm, such as a rock, a broken bottle, or even a vehicle, can legally or practically be called a weapon in context.

Common Mistakes

The killer used a weapon gun to shoot the victim.
The killer used a gun as a weapon.
'gun' already is a weapon; adding 'weapon' before it is redundant.

2. something non-physical, such as knowledge, information, words, or a personal qua

2.nounB2
Definition

something non-physical, such as knowledge, information, words, or a personal quality, that you use to gain an advantage or defend yourself in a competitive or difficult situation.

Example

Lisa used her knowledge of the company's finances as a weapon during the negotiation.

figurative: knowledge as a weapon

Jude's strongest weapon in an argument is his ability to stay calm and listen carefully.

Common collocations
  • powerful weapon
  • effective weapon
  • weapon against
  • use something as a weapon
Synonyms
  • advantage

    focuses on the benefit gained rather than the means of gaining it

  • tool

    more neutral and less aggressive; implies usefulness rather than attack

  • lever

    emphasises using pressure or influence to achieve a result

Usage Note

This sense is always figurative. The 'weapon' is not a physical object — it is a skill, piece of information, strategy, or trait that gives someone leverage. Common with prepositions like 'against' and 'in'.

Idioms

be a double-edged/two-edged sword/weapon

idiom

Something that can have both good and bad effects.

Social media can be a double-edged sword for teenagers.

Is technology a two-edged weapon in modern education?

weapon — verb

Word family

  • weaponry
    nounB2
  • weaponize
    verbC1
  • weaponization
    nounC1
  • weaponless
    adjectiveC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

'Weapon' is the everyday term for anything used to hurt or fight with — a gun, a knife, a stick. 'Arms' (always plural in this sense) is more formal and typically refers to military weapons and equipment collectively: 'The government supplied arms to the rebel forces.' 'Tool' is much broader: a tool helps you make or fix things, while a weapon helps you attack or defend. A hammer is a tool until you use it to hurt someone — then it becomes a weapon. 'Instrument' is very formal and neutral: 'Language is an instrument of persuasion.' It does not carry the violent connotation of 'weapon.' Use 'weapon' for concrete fighting objects; use 'arm' for official military contexts; use 'tool' for helpful devices; and use 'instrument' when you want a formal, neutral tone.

weapon ↗arm ↗tool ↗instrument ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • weapon of choice
  • weapon of mass destruction
  • turn something into a weapon

Prepositions

Etymology

Proto-Indo-EuropeanProto-GermanicOld EnglishEnglish

The word comes from Old English 'wǣpen', which goes back to a Proto-Germanic root '*wēpną'. This root is related to similar words in other Germanic languages — Old Norse 'vápn', Old High German 'wāfan', and Gothic 'wēpna'. Going further back, linguists trace it to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to strike' or 'to beat', though the exact connection is not fully certain. The word has been used in English for over a thousand years, always referring to something used in fighting.