weaponize

[ wep-uh-nahyz ]

/ ˈwɛp əˌnaɪz /

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verb (used with object), weap·on·ized, weap·on·iz·ing.

to supply or equip with a weapon or weapons: to weaponize trucks and helicopters.

to develop (a chemical, microorganism, etc.) for use as a weapon, as in biological warfare: to weaponize uranium;weaponized anthrax.

to use as a means to gain a powerful advantage: She has been known to weaponize her femininity.

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Origin of weaponize

First recorded in1955–60; weapon + -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM weaponize

weap·on·i·za·tion, noun

Words nearby weaponize

wean, weaner, weanling, weapon, weaponeer, weaponize, weaponry, weapons carrier, weapons of mass destruction, weapon system, wear

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use weaponize in a sentence

Over the years, food here has been weaponized, withheld, and used as a means of corruption and coercion by those in power.
Feeding a New Nigeria|Nelson C.J.|January 22, 2021|Eater
The flag belongs to us all and yet it has been weaponized against so many.
Democracy survived, barely|Robin Givhan|January 21, 2021|Washington Post
Unlike today, back then angry female characters were not yet fully weaponized.
To detox from the news, I binge-watched ‘Dallas.’ It was more than just fun.|Sibbie O'Sullivan|January 20, 2021|Washington Post
Democrats fear Barr is weaponizing the Justice Department ahead of the election.
Ex-judge says Trump "pressure campaigns" led to DOJ reversal in Flynn case|Orion Rummler|September 11, 2020|Axios

Over the last month, fireworks have been weaponized at demonstrations across the country.
Fireworks Usage Is Exploding. But July 4th Silence Awaits|Andrew R. Chow|June 19, 2020|Time
The message will be clear: Tehran will not be allowed to weaponize its nuclear operations.
Your Move, Mr. Ahmadinejad|James Carroll|September 29, 2009|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for weaponize

weaponize

weaponise

/ (ˈwɛpəˌnaɪz) /

verb (tr)

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012