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

The problem isn’t what users say, but how algorithms shape and weaponize it under the protection of Section 230.

From The Wall Street Journal

He pledged to scrutinize Biden-era pardons and review what he described as a “weaponized” justice system.

From Salon

The idea that a charismatic authoritarian could hijack a party and weaponize institutions felt unthinkable.

From Salon

BEIJING—China has demonstrated it can weaponize its control over global supply chains by constricting the flow of critical rare-earth minerals.

From The Wall Street Journal

What often gets lost in the current debate is just how much the filibuster has been changed, hollowed out, and weaponized in recent decades.

From Barron's