heavy weapon
Definition
Noun: - Large but transportable armement: A heavy weapon is a large, powerful piece of military equipment, such as artillery or a large-caliber gun, that is designed to be moved, though with difficulty due to its size and weight.
Usage
The term "heavy weapon" is used to categorize military armaments based on their size, power, and mobility. It distinguishes large, crew-served weapons from small arms (like rifles or pistols). It is a formal term often found in military, historical, and news contexts.
Examples
- The infantry unit called for support from heavy weapons to breach the enemy fortification.
- Tanks and howitzers are classified as heavy weapons.
- The treaty restricted the deployment of certain heavy weapons near the border.
Advanced Usage
- "Heavy weapons fire": Refers to sustained shooting from large-caliber guns or artillery.
- The advancing troops were pinned down by intense heavy weapons fire.
- The term can be used attributively (as a noun modifier).
- The heavy weapon squad moved into position.
Variants and Related Words
- Artillery (n): A more specific collective term for large-caliber guns used in land warfare, often synonymous with heavy weapons.
- Ordnance (n): Military supplies, including weapons, ammunition, and combat vehicles. "Heavy ordnance" is a closely related phrase.
- Cannon (n): A specific type of heavy weapon, a large gun mounted on a carriage.
Synonyms
- Big gun (informal)
- Large-caliber weapon
- Major armament
Related Phrases
- Heavy arms: A very similar term, often used interchangeably with "heavy weapons."
- Heavy firepower: Describes the destructive capability provided by heavy weapons.
Noun
-
large but transportable armament
