Has the definition of “Assault” weapons changed?

[internet troll]

Correct me if I am wrong but I seem to recall that when I use to look up the term *assault* weapons it referred to guns that could switch from automatic to semi auto fire.

Am I misremembering?


Now when I look at meriam webster and other various dictionary sites I get definitions along this line.

*any of various automatic or semiautomatic firearms*. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dict...sault%20weapon

For *assault* rifle they say. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dict...ssault%20rifle

any of various intermediate-range, magazine-fed military rifles (such as the AK-47) that can be set for automatic or semiautomatic fire
also : a rifle that resembles a military assault rifle but is designed to allow only semiautomatic fire

Wikipedia says https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assault_weapon

Assault weapon is a term used in the United States to define some types of firearms.[1] The definition varies among regulating jurisdictions but usually includes semi-automatic firearms chambered for centerfire ammunition with a detachable magazine, a pistol grip and sometimes other features such as a vertical forward grip, flash suppressor or barrel shroud.[

Other sites that I recall making a distinction years ago now lump semi autos in with assault weapons.


Am I misremembering or are reference sites changing the meaning to what they want it to mean now? I remember during discussion with people I would bring up sites to show them that there was a difference. That avenue does not seem to be there any longer.

[Emptymag]

The dictionary also says that a clip is a magazine.

I'll bet they also say that Biden won the election without fraud.



The dictionary is wrong.

[flygrimm]

Assault rifle is generally considered a small lightweight carbine type rifle in a smaller less powerful (than full size cartridges like 7.62 or 8mm Mauser) cartridge that is select fire. Think M4 and other similar rifles.

Assault weapon is a made up term that was coined in the late *80s or early*90s. It has no formal definition. That*s proven by the various bans across the country that have definitions based on cosmetic features. Some features are legal in some ban states but not in others.

Stuart

[Walleye Hunter]

The definition of 'White Supremacist' has changed too.

[ArmyVet]

Assault Weapon

Attachment 142781

[knight0334]

Assault Rifle is a weapon that could switch to/from auto/burst. Assault Rifle is a legit term.

Assault Weapon was a phrase created to ban guns that looked like military weapons. Assault Weapon is a political term.

[God's Country]

The definition of 'White Supremacist' has changed too.

And somehow related.

[FJRMarty]

You're all wrong. Whatever that mouthpiece Won Wing Lo Biden and gang SAYS is what it will be - the old term was "conservative lawmaker;" the newspeak term is "the enemy within." "Assault" anything will be determined either by executive fiat or whatever other weapon gets them panty-waist lawmakers shaking in their skivvies.

Civilians will have no say in it. Any prior definition will be revised as needed; any old definitions will be stricken....

[JoshIronshaft]

I never understood going after the left for their incorrect use of terminology. Waste of breath. They don’t care.

[RandomTask]

They do it purposely, not out of ignorance.
Pretty soon, an "assault weapon" will be anything that uses a cartridge.