English word weapon comes from Proto-Germanic *wēpną ("weapon"), of unknown origin, possibly from Proto-Indo-European *wēbnom
| Dictionary entry | Language | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| *wēbnom | Proto-Indo-European (ine-pro) | |
| *wēpną | Proto-Germanic (gem-pro) | Weapon. |
| wǣpen | Old English (ca. 450-1100) (ang) | |
| wepen | Middle English (1100-1500) (enm) | Weapon. |
| weapon | English (eng) | (informal, humorous) A tool of any kind.. An instrument of attack or defense in combat or hunting, e.g. most guns, missiles, or swords.. An instrument or other means of harming or exerting control over another. |