Weapon

Weapon

A weapon, armament, or arm is any implement or device that can be used with intent to inflict damage or harm. Weapons are used to increase the efficacy and efficiency of activities such as hunting, crime, law enforcement, self-defense, and warfare. In a broader context, weapons may be construed to include anything used to gain a strategic, material or mental advantage over an adversary.

While just about any ordinary objects such as sticks, stones, cars, or pencils can be used as weapons, many are expressly designed for the purpose – ranging from simple implements such as clubs, swords and guns, and to complicated modern intercontinental ballistic missiles, nuclear weapons, biological weapons, and cyberweapons.

History

Weapons have been used by humanity from time immemorial and their use has played a strong role in shaping human history. The use of weapons started with the simplest of tools, such as rocks and sticks, and has gradually evolved to the complex weapons we see today.

Classification

Weapons can be classified by their function or by their design features. In the broadest sense, weapons can be classified into two categories: melee weapons, which are used in direct hand-to-hand combat, and ranged weapons, which attack from a distance.

Effects

The use of weapons has several effects on society, including increasing the capabilities of individuals and societies, causing injury and death, and causing social and economic changes.

See also

• Armour
• Military technology
• Weaponry of the United States
• List of martial arts weapons
• List of medieval weapons
• List of premodern combat weapons
• List of fictional weapons
• List of firearms
• List of most expensive weapons programs

External links

• Etymology OnLine

Weapon Resources
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