weapon
weapon — noun
1. an object that is designed or used to hurt people, damage things, or gain an adv
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.
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
Ignacio worried that drone technology could become a dangerous weapon in enemy hands.
Police found a collection of illegal weapons hidden under the floorboards of the old house.
- 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
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
2. something non-physical, such as knowledge, information, words, or a personal qua
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.
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.
The lawyer's most effective weapon was an email that contradicted the defendant's own statement.
Chidi believed that education was the best weapon against poverty and inequality.
用法筆記
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'.
weapon — verb
1. to supply someone with weapons or equipment for fighting.
to supply someone with weapons or equipment for fighting.
The local militia was weaponed by foreign suppliers before the outbreak of the conflict.
passive form: was weaponed by
Historical records show that both sides weaponed their allies with rifles and ammunition.
The general ordered his troops to be weaponed with the latest artillery from the capital.
Fishermen along the coast were weaponed by the navy and asked to watch for enemy ships.
- disarm
to take weapons away from someone
文法句型
weapon + noun phrase
用法筆記
This verb form is extremely rare in modern English. The more common contemporary term is 'weaponize'. You will almost never encounter 'weapon' as a verb in everyday speech or writing.