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

They likened AI’s potential to transform the military to gunpowder, a technology invented in China but more effectively weaponized, many in China believe, by others.

From The Wall Street Journal

All of this is before AI is weaponized in multiple ways.

From The Wall Street Journal

Investors have been worried that European allies might now look to “weaponize” their large holdings of U.S. stocks and bonds, and put renewed downward pressure on the U.S. dollar.

From MarketWatch

For years now, investors have been talking about the risk that foreign investors could “weaponize” their holdings of U.S. assets, but few expect this to happen anytime soon.

From MarketWatch

Today, Venezuela lacks the ability to disrupt global energy flows or weaponize supply in the way larger producers can.

From Barron's