weapon
UK: ˈwɛpən | US: ˈwɛpən
n. an object designed or used for inflicting bodily harm or physical damage
n. a means of gaining an advantage or defending oneself in a conflict
The word "weapon" traces back to Old English wǣpen, meaning "instrument of fighting." It shares roots with Old Norse vápn and Gothic wēpna, all derived from Proto-Germanic wēpnan. The morpheme weap- originally conveyed the idea of harm or combat, while -on served as a noun-forming suffix. Over time, the spelling simplified to "weapon," retaining its core meaning of a tool for conflict.
The soldier carried a concealed weapon.
Education is often called the most powerful weapon against ignorance.
The police confiscated an illegal weapon during the raid.
Words can be a double-edged weapon in debates.
The treaty aimed to reduce the number of nuclear weapons worldwide.