A
blunt instrument is any solid
object used as a
weapon, which damages its target by applying direct mechanical force, and has no penetrating point or edge, or is wielded so that the point or edge is not the part of the weapon that inflicts the injury. Blunt instruments may be contrasted with
edged weapons, which inflict injury by cutting or stabbing, or
projectile weapons, where the projectiles, such as
bullets or shot, are accelerated to a penetrating speed.