Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word assault weapon. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word assault weapon, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say assault weapon in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word assault weapon you have here. The definition of the word assault weapon will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition ofassault weapon, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
(US) Any select-fire firearm that allows semi-automatic and fully automatic operation, and is used or was once used by a military organization.
(US) A semi-automatic firearm that resembles a military weapon.
(New York State) A semi-automatic weapon that has a folding stock, a muzzle flash suppressor, a bayonet mount, or a pistol grip.
Usage notes
(semi-automatic firearm that resembles a military weapon): This term is considered pejorative by some. It is used primarily in the context of discussions of gun-control policy.
There is no universally accepted definition of an assault weapon, and the meaning varies between jurisdictions. However, according to defunct United States federal legislation, any semi-automatic rifle is an assault weapon if it has a detachable magazine and has two or more of the following: pistol grip, folding or telescoping stock, bayonet mount, flash suppressor, grenade launcher.
