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

She weaponized her race, her status, and she kept trying to weaponize the police against the community.

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Here in Washington state, Democrats have weaponized it against the Hispanic population to enhance their own power at the expense of a majority Latino electorate.

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The union also said the bill “raises serious free speech concerns” and will “arm ill-intentioned people” to attack “academic freedom and weaponize public education.”

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Faculty, staff, students and unions have pushed back, saying university leaders should have rejected government demands, moves many say weaponize antisemitism charges for ideological goals.

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“The MCO tax was never supposed to be weaponized in that process.”

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