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A weapon is an object designed or used for inflicting bodily harm or physical damage on a person, place or thing. It is a means of gaining an advantage or defending oneself in a conflict or contest. Weapons are used by trained officers in law enforcement and militaries. They are used by civilians for hunting and self-defense. Their form can range from basic instruments such as a clubs to complex modern implementations such as intercontinental ballistic missiles. Weapon development has evolved from early wood or stone clubs to swords and guns to today's nuclear capabilities.

Simple weapon use has been observed among chimpanzees. It is believed early hominids first used primitive weapons as early as five million years ago. Weaponry in the Middle Ages was dominated by the use of swords, lances, and sieges. The Chinese invented gunpowder in the 9th century and firearms in the 12th century. From the 16th century to 19th century firearms would rise to prominence thanks to improvements in ignition mechanisms and revolutionary changes in ammunition.

World War II may have marked the most frantic period of weapon development in history. Most existing firearm technologies were improved between 1939 and 1945 as numerous new designs and concepts were created and implemented . The most powerful weapon invented during this period was the atomic bomb. Since the realization of Mutually Assured Destruction, nuclear power is no longer considered a survivable option for humanity.

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