Definition

1. Noun:

   • Weapon: An object or device designed or used to inflict harm, damage, or threat, typically in combat, conflict, or self-defense. This is the general and most common meaning.
   • Arms: Often used in a collective or formal sense to refer to weapons, especially for military purposes.

2. Noun (figurative):

   • Tool / Instrument: Something used to achieve a goal or to attack or defend in a non-physical context, such as in an argument, debate, or competition.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Các binh sĩ được trang bị vũ khí hiện đại. (The soldiers are equipped with modern weapons.)
  • Việc buôn bán vũ khí bị cấm theo hiệp ước quốc tế. (The trade in arms is prohibited by international treaty.)
  • Lời nói có thể là một thứ vũ khí lợi hại. (Words can be a powerful weapon.)

Advanced Usage

• "vũ khí hạt nhân": nuclear weapon(s).

  • Các cuộc đàm phán nhằm giảm thiểu vũ khí hạt nhân. (The negotiations aim to reduce nuclear weapons.)

• "vũ khí hóa học": chemical weapon(s).

  • Việc sử dụng vũ khí hóa học bị lên án mạnh mẽ. (The use of chemical weapons is strongly condemned.)

Variants and Related Words

• Võ khí (n): An alternate, less common spelling with the same meaning as "vũ khí" (weapon).
• Khí giới (n): A more literary or formal synonym for weapons or arms.
• Vũ trang (v/n): To arm; armament. Often used in the phrase "lực lượng vũ trang" (armed forces).

Synonyms

• Weapon: An instrument for attacking or defending.
• Armament: Military weapons and equipment.
• Arms: Weapons, especially for military use.

Related Idioms

• "Vũ khí lạnh": Cold weapon. Refers to traditional, non-projectile weapons like knives, swords, or spears, as opposed to firearms ("vũ khí nóng").
  • Trong bảo tàng có trưng bày nhiều loại vũ khí lạnh thời xưa. (The museum displays many types of cold weapons from ancient times.)