Weaponized: meaning, definitions and examples
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weaponized
[ ˈwɛp.ə.naɪzd ]
military context
Weaponized refers to the process of adapting something to be used as a weapon, typically in a military or defensive sense. This term often implies that a non-weapon item has been modified to enhance its effectiveness in combat or hostile situations.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The scientists weaponized the virus for bioweapons testing.
- The military has weaponized drones for surveillance and combat.
- They have weaponized social media to influence public opinion.
designed for conflict
Weaponized is used to describe devices, substances, or technology that have been modified or designed to be used as weapons, often indicating a high level of lethality or operational capability.
Synonyms
armed, dangerous, militarized.
Examples of usage
- The weaponized pesticide was created for use in agricultural warfare.
- He discussed the implications of weaponized artificial intelligence.
- The weaponized system can remotely target and engage threats.
Translations
Translations of the word "weaponized" in other languages:
🇵🇹 armazenado
🇮🇳 हथियारबंद
🇩🇪 bewaffnet
🇮🇩 dipersenjatai
🇺🇦 озброєний
🇵🇱 uzbrojony
🇯🇵 武器化された
🇫🇷 armé
🇪🇸 armado
🇹🇷 silahlandırılmış
🇰🇷 무장한
🇸🇦 مسلح
🇨🇿 ozbrojený
🇸🇰 ozbrojený
🇨🇳 武器化的
🇸🇮 oborožen
🇮🇸 vopnað
🇰🇿 қаруланған
🇬🇪 საზიარებელი
🇦🇿 silahlandırılmış
🇲🇽 armado
Etymology
The term 'weaponized' emerged in the late 20th century as military technology began to evolve and expand in complexity. The prefix 'weapon-' comes from the Old English 'wēpen', meaning 'instrument of war', or 'to carry weapons'. The act of weaponization originally applied to tangible arms, but over time, it adopted a broader meaning encompassing various methods and technologies used in warfare, including biological agents, psychological tactics, and cyber operations. The concept gained more attention in the context of the Cold War and beyond, as nations sought innovative ways to gain a strategic advantage over their adversaries through advanced technologies and tactics.