weaponize

[wep-uh-nahyz]

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.

weaponize

/ ˈwɛpəˌnaɪz /

verb

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

Other Word Forms

• weaponization noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of weaponize¹

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.

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

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

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

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

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