weaponization

American  

[wep-uhn-ahyz-ay-shuhn] / ˌwɛp ənˌaɪzˈeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of using something as a weapon to gain advantage over an enemy or rival.

2. the act of equipping something, such as a vehicle, system, or country, with a weapon or weapons.

3. the act of developing something, such as a chemical or microorganism, expressly for use as a weapon of war.

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Example Sentences

The real innovation of the past decade has been in engagement optimization, algorithmic content distribution and the weaponization of human psychology to generate advertising revenue.

From Salon • Feb. 7, 2026

“The future of the internet,” Mr. Subramanian concludes, “will entail the weaponization of its submarine cable systems.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 2, 2025

Though an initial damage analysis expressed skepticism, a consensus emerged that Iran’s enrichment and weaponization infrastructure, including centrifuges and uranium metalworking equipment, was destroyed or rendered inoperable.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 5, 2025

She said some of Iran's nuclear activities would be applicable to developing a bomb, but US intelligence agencies had assessed that Iran was not engaged in key weaponization work.

From BBC • Jun. 14, 2025

In a speech at the Security Council, whose rotating presidency is being held this month by the United States, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken condemned the weaponization of food.

From New York Times • Aug. 3, 2023