# weapon

/ˈwɛpən/ (US) · /wˈɛpən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/weapon
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. combat tool

noun · CEFR B1

an object used for fighting, attacking, or defending yourself, such as a gun, knife, or sword.

For teachers: an instrument designed or used for inflicting physical bodily harm or for defensive combat.

- The police found a hidden weapon in the suspect's car during the search.
- The treaty strictly prohibits the transport of chemical weapons across international borders to prevent further escalation of the conflict.

### 2. means of control

noun · CEFR B2

something used to hurt someone's reputation or to gain power over them.

For teachers: a means of exerting pressure, harming a reputation, or gaining a strategic advantage over an opponent.

- The politician used the scandal as a weapon against his rival.
- In modern corporate negotiations, information is often the most potent weapon a company can possess.

### 3. an annoying person

noun · CEFR C1 · British English · Slang · Informal

a person who is very annoying, stupid, or embarrassing.

For teachers: a derogatory term for an individual perceived as incompetent, foolish, or socially inept.

- He made a total weapon of himself by shouting in the quiet library.
- The manager was acting like a complete weapon during the briefing, making several basic errors that embarrassed the entire team.

Teaching tip: Common in British and Irish English; it is an insult that suggests the person is useless or a 'tool'.

### 4. a highly skilled person

noun · CEFR C1 · American English · Slang · Informal

someone who is incredibly good at what they do.

For teachers: a person or object of exceptional capability, power, or effectiveness.

- Our new striker is an absolute weapon on the football pitch.
- With his analytical speed and deep industry knowledge, the lead consultant proved to be a secret weapon during the merger talks.

### 5. to arm

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to give someone a weapon or to prepare a tool for fighting.

For teachers: to equip a person, group, or vehicle with weaponry.

- The soldiers were weaponed and ready for the mission at dawn.
- The government faced criticism for weaponing local militias without providing adequate oversight or training.

Usage: This verb is transitive and requires a direct object.

## Examples

- The police found the hidden weapon in the bushes.
- The negotiator convinced the suspect to drop his weapon and surrender peacefully to the authorities.
- While the treaty strictly regulates the trade of conventional weapons, many argue that it fails to address the growing threat of digital tools used for state-sponsored sabotage.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.