Weaponization: meaning, definitions and examples
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weaponization
[ ˌwɛpənaɪˈzeɪʃən ]
military usage
Weaponization refers to the process of turning something into a weapon or capable of being used as one. This term is often used in discussions about various technologies and materials that can be adapted for hostile purposes. For example, it may involve the modification of research results or technologies for military applications. The concept can apply to both tangible items, such as chemicals or biological agents, as well as intangible things like information or social media. The implications of weaponization raise significant ethical and political concerns regarding warfare and security.
Synonyms
armament, combat preparation, militarization
Examples of usage
- The weaponization of viruses poses significant health threats.
- Debates on the weaponization of space are increasing.
- Cybersecurity is crucial to prevent the weaponization of data.
- The government focused on the weaponization of AI technology.
Translations
Translations of the word "weaponization" in other languages:
🇵🇹 armamento
🇮🇳 हथियार बनाना
🇩🇪 Waffenbeschaffung
🇮🇩 senjata
🇺🇦 озброєння
🇵🇱 uzbrojenie
🇯🇵 武器化
🇫🇷 armement
🇪🇸 armamento
🇹🇷 silahlandırma
🇰🇷 무기화
🇸🇦 تسليح
🇨🇿 zbrojení
🇸🇰 ozbrojenie
🇨🇳 武器化
🇸🇮 oboroževanje
🇮🇸 vopnagerð
🇰🇿 қару-жарақтандыру
🇬🇪 იარაღები
🇦🇿 silahlandırma
🇲🇽 armamento
Word origin
The term 'weaponization' has its roots in the word 'weapon', which originates from the Old English 'wǣpen', meaning an instrument of battle or warfare. The suffix '-ization' comes from Latin 'izationem', used to denote the action of making something into a specific form. The use of 'weaponization' in its modern context began to gain traction in the late 20th century, as advances in technology raised concerns about the potential misuse of various forms of scientific knowledge and materials. Over time, the discussion around weaponization expanded beyond physical weaponry to encompass broader issues, including biological and cyber weapons, reflecting the evolving nature of threats in contemporary conflicts.