weaponize

American  

[wep-uh-nahyz] / ˈwɛp əˌnaɪz /

verb (used with object)

weaponized, weaponizing

1. to supply or equip with a weapon or weapons.

   to weaponize trucks and helicopters.

2. to develop (a chemical, microorganism, etc.) for use as a weapon, as in biological warfare.

   to weaponize uranium;

   weaponized anthrax.

3. to use as a means to gain a powerful advantage.

   She has been known to weaponize her femininity.

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weaponize British  

/ ˈwɛpəˌnaɪz /

verb

1. to adapt (a chemical, bacillus, etc) in such a way that it can be used as a weapon

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Other Word Forms

• weaponization noun

Etymology

Origin of weaponize

First recorded in 1955–60; weapon ( def. ) + -ize ( def. )

Example Sentences

Instead, he imposed retaliatory tariffs and weaponized China’s dominance of the production of rare-earth elements, which are critical to many advanced technologies, including those with military applications.

From The Wall Street Journal

With more agentic capabilities comes an elevated threat landscape, as bad actors can now weaponize AI to launch attacks with unprecedented speed and magnitude.

From MarketWatch

“Sinners” centers the Black American experience through history, art and spirituality, while “One Battle” speaks to the white liberal male’s ineffectual navigation of weaponized racial grievance.

From Salon

Until now, the country has largely refrained from weaponizing its financial sector against its neighbor across the Persian Gulf.

From The Wall Street Journal

But both stories woo us with worlds free of weaponized heteronormativity and the very real sensation of imperilment many of us are feeling.

From Salon