wield
verb (used with object)
to exercise (power, authority, influence, etc.), as in ruling or dominating.
were wielding
-
past progressiveof wield.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The departures came as Beijing cracked down on the country’s once-freewheeling technology industry over antitrust concerns and fears that China’s technology giants were wielding too much influence over society.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 6, 2022
He swung his arms wildly as if he were wielding a machete.
From Washington Post ● Oct. 19, 2017
It was also the putter that Ben Hogan and Sam Snead were wielding in photos or their rare appearances on television.
From Golf Digest ● May 22, 2017
“They knew they were wielding a stick and not a carrot.”
From BusinessWeek ● Dec. 22, 2010
Regardless of any injury to the articles they were wielding, both lads swung at the flames, and beat them furiously.
From The Banner Boy Scouts on a Tour, or, The Mystery of Rattlesnake Mountain by George A. Warren
