wield

[weeld]

verb (used with object)

1. to exercise (power, authority, influence, etc.), as in ruling or dominating.

   Synonyms: utilize, employ, exert

2. to use (a weapon, instrument, etc.) effectively; handle or employ actively.

   Synonyms: control, manipulate

3. Archaic.,  to guide or direct.

4. Archaic.,  to govern; manage.

wield

/ wiːld /

verb

1. to handle or use (a weapon, tool, etc)

2. to exert or maintain (power or authority)

3. obsolete,  to rule

Other Word Forms

• wielder noun
• wieldable adjective
• unwieldable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of wield¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English welden, Old English wieldan “to control,” derivative of wealdan “to rule”; cognate with German walten, Old Norse valda, Gothic waldan; akin to Latin valēre “to be strong, prevail”

Word History and Origins

Origin of wield¹

Old English wieldan, wealdan; related to Old Norse valda, Old Saxon waldan, German walten, Latin valēre to be strong

Example Sentences

Working with a group of assistants wielding massive wooden spatulas, Baci's crowning dish was later distributed for everyone to enjoy.

From BBC

They can also be decapitated with a special sword wielded by demon slayers.

From Los Angeles Times

Incarcerated firefighters don’t wield hoses, but clear brush and dig containment lines while working on front-line hand crews and do work such as cooking and laundry to keep fire camps running.

From Los Angeles Times

Seizing and wielding federal political power, not restraining it, is the mission.”

From Salon

But American might, military and political, is still the bedrock on which the alliance is built, and questions linger about this president's willingness to wield it.

From BBC

Related Words

• apply 
• brandish 
• employ 
• exert 
• handle 
• maintain 
• manipulate 
• operate 
• possess 
• swing