energy weapons
Laser-based firearms
Energy weapons are devices that use directed energy—laser beams, microwaves, particle beams, or plasma—to damage or destroy targets, rather than kinetic projectiles like bullets or missiles.
The term spans military technology in development and science fiction staples: The ship's energy weapons discharged in a brilliant flash.
Real-world examples include laser systems designed to shoot down drones.
Fictional beam weapon
- blasterEnergy-shooting firearm
- ray gunFictional beam-emitting weapon
- death rayLethal energy weapon
- plasma rifleWeapon firing superheated matter
photon torpedo · turbolaser · disruptor · particle beam · ion cannon · pulse rifle · railgun · coilgun
Structural support member
- coherentLogically connected throughout
- lightVisible electromagnetic radiation
- opticsScience of illumination
- photonicsLight particle science and engineering
infrared · wavelength · collimation · monochromatic · pulsed · targeting · focusing · lens
Strategically planned
- ordnanceMilitary weapons collectively
- armamentCollective military weapons
- combatArmed hostile engagement
- warfareArmed conflict between groups
targeting system · countermeasure · defense system · mounted · shipborne · airborne · space-based · satellite
Process of breaking apart
- obliterationTotal destruction or erasure
- vaporizationConversion to gas
- annihilationUtter, complete destruction
- lethalityAbility to cause death
devastation · incineration · pulverization · blast · scorching · melting · burning · piercing
phaser
Fictional beam weapon
plasma rifle · photon torpedo · turbolaser · disruptor · particle beam · ion cannon · pulse rifle · railgun · coilgun · sonic weapon
beam
Structural support member
- coherentLogically connected throughout
- lightVisible electromagnetic radiation
- opticsScience of illumination
photonics · infrared · wavelength · collimation · monochromatic · pulsed · targeting · focusing · lens · mirror
tactical
Strategically planned
- ordnanceMilitary weapons collectively
- armamentCollective military weapons
- combatArmed hostile engagement
warfare · targeting system · countermeasure · defense system · mounted · shipborne · airborne · space-based · satellite · anti-missile
disintegration
Process of breaking apart
- obliterationTotal destruction or erasure
- vaporizationConversion to gas
- annihilationUtter, complete destruction
lethality · devastation · incineration · pulverization · blast · scorching · melting · burning · piercing · penetration
- sci-fiscience fiction, Star Wars, sci-fi, Blade Runner 2049, aliens
- Japanese sci-fimecha, anime, manga, kaiju, Gundam
energy weaponsprojectile weapons
Weapons launching objects afar
firearms · conventional weapons · guns · bullets · missiles
energy weaponsmelee weapons
Arms requiring physical contact
swords · spears · clubs · bows and arrows · crossbows
energy, energetic, weapons, energize, energizing, energized, energetically, energies, energizes