An idiom referring to distinct type of a weapon - which includes any object created for the intended purpose of combat, that can used in either a defensive and/or offensive manner.

Comments:

Throughout history, every culture has created devices that are intended to be used in combat situations, for either protection, aggression, deterrence, or any combination.  They can range from a knife up to a nuclear weapon.

This is the most commonly thought of usage of the term weapon.  This is because when someone generically refers to a weapon, they usually mean a man-made weapon.

Example(s):

A stick, knife, crossbow, gun, etc. are typically used as offensive weapons.

A shield, armor, bunker, etc. are typically used as defensive weapons.

Related Definition(s):

Defense, Offense, Range, Weapon

Related Term(s):

Environmental Weapon, Natural Weapon, Psychological Weapon, Weapon