What defines a weapon as a 'deadly weapon'?

A deadly weapon is categorized primarily by its potential to cause death or great bodily harm. In legal terms, a deadly weapon is often defined based on its ability to inflict significant injury or fatality, distinguishing it from other types of weapons that may cause harm but not to such an extreme extent.

While causing serious injury is relevant to the context of what defines a weapon's danger, it does not fully encompass the definition of a deadly weapon, which specifically includes the capacity to cause death. Similarly, the use of a weapon in a threatening manner may indicate intent or potential harm but does not necessarily qualify the weapon itself as deadly. The key aspect is the inherent capability of the weapon to cause death or significant physical damage. Thus, the most accurate criterion for labeling a weapon as 'deadly' centers on its potential to result in death or great bodily harm.