weaponization

American  

[wep-uhn-ahy-zay-shuhn] / ˌwɛp ənˌaɪˈzeɪ 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.

---

Example Sentences

But amid all this weaponization and retribution is a heartening reality: In America, it doesn’t work.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

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

"This is going to be much about verification on the enrichment programme and then ultimately verification on weaponization."

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2025

The philosopher takes aim at the new interpretations and weaponization of “gender” in what might be read as a follow-up to their pioneering 1990 book, “Gender Trouble.”

From New York Times • Mar. 11, 2024

The throughline connecting the FTC’s X-Mode settlement and the weaponization of social media surveillance wasn’t lost on Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., who lauded the FTC and echoed Fairplay’s calls for legislative action.

From Salon • Jan. 11, 2024