wield
Americanverb (used with object)
-
wields,
present (3rd person singular)
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wielded,
past participle, past
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wielding
present participle
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to exercise (power, authority, influence, etc.), as in ruling or dominating.
-
to use (a weapon, instrument, etc.) effectively; handle or employ actively.
- Synonyms:
- control, manipulate
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Archaic. to guide or direct.
-
Archaic. to govern; manage.
verb
-
to handle or use (a weapon, tool, etc)
-
to exert or maintain (power or authority)
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obsolete to rule
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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wieldsimple
-
wieldssimple
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have wieldedperfect
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has wieldedperfect
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am wieldingprogressive
-
are wieldingprogressive
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is wieldingprogressive
-
have been wieldingperfect progressive
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has been wieldingperfect progressive
Past
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wieldedsimple
-
had wieldedperfect
-
was wieldingprogressive
-
were wieldingprogressive
-
had been wieldingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of wield
First recorded before 900; Middle English welden, Old English wieldan “to control,” derivative of wealdan “to rule”; cognate with German walten, Old Norse valda, Gothic waldan; akin to Latin valēre “to be strong, prevail”
Explanation
If you wield a tool or a weapon, you handle it effectively. Picture a gallant knight wielding a sword or a skillful chef wielding a whisk. You don't just have to wield something physical; you can also wield or exert influence or authority. Wield is frequently followed by the word power. If you were a king, you could wield great power in your kingdom — exerting your influence over everything from food rations to castle upkeep. As it is, though, you might just wield power over your pet goldfish. Note: wield follows the i before e, except after c spelling rule.
Vocabulary lists containing wield
"The Odyssey" by Homer, Books 1–7
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100 SAT words Beginning with W,X,Y, and Z
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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.
See Examples For:
Latina voters are more likely to register and turn out to vote, and with Latino voters skewing younger, young Latinas wield outsize political power.
From Salon ● Nov. 2, 2026
In his enhanced form, Captain Marvel possesses powers such as superhuman strength and speed, heightened intelligence and the ability to wield lightning.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 23, 2026
Parents wield their generosity to over-meddle in home shopping.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 11, 2026
A publicly held Tata Sons could significantly reduce the control and special rights the Tata Trusts wield over the group.
From BBC ● Sep. 18, 2026
Her mother had said that each of them held great powers and could wield fantastic weapons because they were the sons of gods.
From "Aru Shah and the End of Time" by Roshani Chokshi
It operates with an independent board that wields decision-making power over its social mission and marketing, thanks to a deal the founders struck in 2000 when Unilever acquired it.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 26, 2026
Tharia fares better, possessing the same snarky delivery that Waititi wields when he has been in front of the camera.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 22, 2026
In the popular imagination, a Viking is tall, broad-shouldered man who wields a sword, and might have a modern haircut like a skin fade or lots of tattoos.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 23, 2026
The YouTube channels of United influencer Mark Goldbridge's were recently acquired, a further sign of the influence Neville now wields in football's media industry.
From BBC ● Sep. 21, 2026
“A pity that the sword that Stannis wields is cold. I’ll be curious to see how his Lightbringer behaves in battle. Thank you for the wine. Ghost, with me.”
From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin
The researchers cannot determine exactly what happened or who wielded the weapon.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 31, 2026
That has led to the release of internal emails, corporate documents and whistleblower testimony that personal injury lawyers and prosecutors across the country have wielded to make their case.
From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2026
In Malta, home to 70,000 offshore companies and the headquarters of some of the world’s largest gambling groups, she wielded her pen against ministers and businessmen.
From Barron's ● Sep. 3, 2026
Tall, powerfully built and eloquent, he quoted scripture as competently as he wielded a firearm.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026
Boaz, meanwhile, wielded the broom with surprising efficacy.
From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny
John was taught that Green Lanterns must be fearless beings capable of focusing and wielding their will.
From Salon ● Oct. 5, 2026
I have heard of marketers giving themselves the title while continuing in relatively “normal” marketing jobs, wielding it more as a hallmark that communicates that they know what they’re doing when it comes to AI.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 1, 2026
“Agency” is wielding power and autonomy in choosing how to live; “belonging” is forging social ties with others; and “cause” is serving a higher purpose.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 18, 2026
He appears in a video with two ministry officials, one wielding a clipboard, at SeaWorld.
From BBC ● Sep. 7, 2026
She steadied herself, wielding the staff like a sword as Cain began circling.
From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
