CONVENTIONAL WEAPONS Meaning and
Definition
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Conventional weapons are a classification of military armaments that are considered traditional or non-nuclear in nature. They refer to a wide range of weapons typically used by armed forces for combat and combative purposes. These weapons are designed to inflict damage, incapacitate or neutralize the enemy, and gain a tactical advantage during battles or warfare.
Conventional weapons encompass various types of equipment and systems employed by conventional military forces, such as firearms, artillery, tanks, aircraft, missiles, rockets, and naval vessels. They rely on traditional mechanical, chemical, or explosive technologies to operate and deliver lethal force. Unlike nuclear weapons, conventional weapons do not utilize nuclear reactions for their destructive capabilities.
The term "conventional" in this context contrasts with unconventional or asymmetric weapons, which generally refer to non-traditional military armaments employed by irregular forces or unconventional warfare tactics. Conventional weapons are widely used in both offensive and defensive strategies, and their development and deployment are subject to regulations and treaties to limit indiscriminate destruction and civilian casualties.
The advancements in technology and industrial capabilities have resulted in the continuous evolution and sophistication of conventional weapons, leading to increasingly effective and precise means of engaging and neutralizing targets. However, their usage also poses risks, as they can cause significant human suffering and environmental damage if not employed with caution and adherence to established rules of engagement.
Etymology of CONVENTIONAL WEAPONS
The term "conventional weapons" does not have a specific etymology as it is a descriptive term that refers to weapons that are commonly used and not classified as nuclear, chemical, or biological. However, we can analyze the origin of the individual words in the term:
- The word "conventional" comes from the Latin word "conventionālis", derived from "conventionem", which means "meeting" or "agreement". Over time, "conventional" came to represent something that is customary, typical, or accepted by a consensus.
- The word "weapon" comes from the Old English word "wǣpen", which is cognate with the Old High German word "wāffan" and the Old Norse word "vǫpn". It refers to an instrument or device used with the intention to inflict damage or harm on others.
