Weaponry Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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weaponry

[หˆwษ›pษ™nri ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

military equipment

Weaponry refers to all types of weapons and military equipment used for combat or defense.

Synonyms

armaments, arms, munitions.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
weaponry

Used to refer to all the weapons and equipment used by a military force.

  • The nation invested heavily in advanced weaponry to modernize its military.
arms

A general term for weapons but can also imply a broader scope, including a variety of combat tools used by individuals or groups.

  • The rebels were supplied with various arms including rifles and grenades.
armaments

Usually refers to military weapons and equipment collectively, often used in the context of arms build-up or military stockpiling.

  • The international community is concerned about the country's increasing armaments.
munitions

Specifically refers to military weapons, ammunition, and equipment, often used in the context of logistical and operational aspects.

  • The soldiers awaited the delivery of munitions before launching the attack.

Examples of usage

  • Modern warfare heavily relies on advanced weaponry.
  • The army conducted a training exercise to test the effectiveness of their weaponry.
Context #2 | Noun

collection of weapons

Weaponry can also refer to a collection of weapons owned by an individual, organization, or country.

Synonyms

armory, arsenal, stockpile.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
weaponry

General term for all types of weapons and equipment used in defense or combat. Can be used in both modern and historical contexts.

  • The army has advanced weaponry at its disposal.
  • Medieval weaponry was often made of steel and iron.
arsenal

A collection or supply of weapons and military equipment. Can also mean a storehouse for this equipment. Often implies a large and varied collection.

  • The country is expanding its nuclear arsenal.
  • An arsenal of high-tech weaponry was found in the bunker.
armory

A place where weapons and military equipment are stored. Can also refer to a collection of weapons.

  • The soldiers retrieved their gear from the armory.
  • He had an impressive armory of swords and shields.
stockpile

A large accumulation of goods or materials, especially weapons, stored for future use. Often used in contexts involving preparation for conflict or emergencies.

  • They began to stockpile weapons in anticipation of the war.
  • The government has a stockpile of medical supplies.

Examples of usage

  • The museum displayed a remarkable collection of historical weaponry.
  • The country invested heavily in upgrading its weaponry.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word derives from the Old English 'wวฃpen', which means weapon, suggestive of its long-standing use throughout human history.
  • Early forms of weaponry included stones and sticks, evolving over thousands of years into complex machines and technologies for warfare.
  • Ancient cultures developed different weapons based on available materials, such as bronze swords in Mesopotamia or bows and arrows in ancient Egypt.

Science and Technology

  • Modern weaponry has advanced into precision-guided munitions, which use technology to increase accuracy and minimize collateral damage.
  • Research into non-lethal weaponry is expanding; these tools aim to incapacitate rather than kill, focusing on injury prevention.
  • The development of weaponry often drives technological advancements, leading to innovations that eventually trickle down to civilian uses, like radar and GPS.

Literature and Media

  • Many classic novels, such as 'War and Peace', explore the psychological impacts of war and the role of weaponry in shaping human destinies.
  • Movies like 'Saving Private Ryan' often depict realistic portrayals of battle and the emotional weight of weaponry on soldiers.
  • In video games, weaponry varies widely, allowing players to experience diverse historical and futuristic combat scenarios.

Psychology

  • Studies show that the presence of weaponry can increase aggression and alter perception in social interactions.
  • Psychologists link the handling of weaponry to heightened feelings of power and control in certain contexts, influencing behavior.
  • The desensitization to violence through media portrayal of weaponry can impact societal views on conflict and aggression.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures have unique perceptions of weaponry, with some viewing it as necessary for defense, while others see it as a symbol of aggression.
  • In some societies, traditional weaponry is integrated into cultural practices and ceremonies, reflecting heritage and identity.
  • The evolution of weaponry has influenced art, symbolism, and even fashion, with icons like swords often appearing in mythology and art.

Origin of 'weaponry'

The word 'weaponry' originated from the Middle English word 'weaponrie' in the early 14th century. It is derived from the Old French word 'weponerie' which means 'arms' or 'armory'. The term evolved to encompass all types of weapons and military equipment over time.


See also: bioweapon, weapon, weaponed, weaponless, weapons.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,849, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.