väpna

Väpna is a Swedish verb meaning to arm or equip with weapons, or to supply with arms. It can refer to arming individuals or groups, to arming a military or police force, or to arming in a broader, more figurative sense such as strengthening a position with resources. The reflexive form väpna sig means to arm oneself. A related verb, beväpna, is often used when emphasizing the act of provisioning with weapons or equipment.

Etymology and related terms: väpna derives from Old Norse vápn, meaning weapon. It is cognate with Danish and Norwegian våpen (weapons) and with the English word weapon through the long history of the Germanic language family. The noun vapen or vapen köping (weapon) is closely linked to the verb.

Grammar and forms: The infinitive is väpna. Present tense forms include väpnar, past tense väpnade, and the supine väpat. The past participle used as an adjective is vänad, while the passive participle is väpnad (armed). The verb beväpna exists as a related form meaning to equip with weapons or to arm, often with a nuance of provisioning rather than immediate action by the subject.

Usage and context: Väpnad is common in discussions of defense policy, military operations, and international law, including the term väpnad konflikt (armed conflict). The choice between väpna and beväpna can convey different nuances: väpna emphasizes the act of arming, while beväpna can emphasize provisioning or equipping for a purpose. The term is used in historical, political, and legal contexts as well as in general writing about weapons and arms.