Cryptic crossword clue
Warlord keeps head from thermonuclear weapon 7

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word SHOTGUN

I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
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The straight part
We know that "weapon" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case weapon = shotgun.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does SHOTGUN mean?

SHOTGUN noun
  1. A gun which fires loads typically consisting of small metal balls, called shot, from a cartridge.
  2. The front passenger seat in a vehicle, next to the driver; so called because the position of the shotgun-armed guard on a horse-drawn stage-coach, wagon train, or gold transport was next to the driver on a forward-mounted bench seat.
  3. A one-story dwelling with no hallways or corridors, with the rooms arranged in a straight line.
  4. An offensive formation in which the quarterback receives the snap at a distance behind the center, often with a running back set to one or both sides of him.
  5. (as a modifier) Relating to shotguns, either in a present or past sense: e.g. shotgun cartridges, shotgun seat.
  6. (as a modifier) Relating to the threat of force or dubious means: e.g. shotgun wedding, shotgun diplomacy.
  7. (as a modifier) Relating to the use of numerous, diverse or indiscriminate means to achieve a particular result: e.g. shotgun marketing, a shotgun approach.
SHOTGUN verb
  1. (smoking) To inhale from a pipe or other smoking device, followed shortly by an exhalation into someone else’s mouth.
  2. To verbally lay claim to (something)
  3. To hit the ball directly back at the pitcher.
  4. To rapidly drink a beverage from a can by making a hole in the bottom of the can, placing the hole above one's mouth, and opening the top.
  5. To send out many (requests, answers to a question, etc), especially in the hope that one obtains a positive result (i.e. reveals useful information, is correct, etc), in the manner of a shotgun firing many balls of shot such that one may hit a target.
  6. To employ the technique of shotgun debugging.

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