wield

[weeld]

verb (used with object)

1. to exercise (power, authority, influence, etc.), as in ruling or dominating.

   Synonyms: utilize, employ, exert

2. to use (a weapon, instrument, etc.) effectively; handle or employ actively.

   Synonyms: control, manipulate

3. Archaic.,  to guide or direct.

4. Archaic.,  to govern; manage.

wield

/ wiːld /

verb

1. to handle or use (a weapon, tool, etc)

2. to exert or maintain (power or authority)

3. obsolete,  to rule

Other Word Forms

• wieldable adjective
• wielder noun
• unwieldable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of wield¹

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”

Word History and Origins

Origin of wield¹

Old English wieldan, wealdan; related to Old Norse valda, Old Saxon waldan, German walten, Latin valēre to be strong

Example Sentences

Even after he transitions to executive chairman next year, he will wield significant influence.

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The conflict has drained Moscow’s economic and military resources, corroding the influence it once wielded beyond its borders.

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But Riyadh continues to wield outsize sway over oil prices through its command of OPEC, which controls up to 40% of the world’s oil output.

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Instead, he is wielding the unspoken threat of dissolving parliament and calling snap parliamentary elections—yet again—to coerce lawmakers that he believes are largely reluctant to face voters.

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Macron had been wielding the unspoken threat of dissolving the National Assembly and holding parliamentary elections after his latest prime minister, Sébastien Lecornu, abruptly resigned Monday amid bickering over his cabinet choices.

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Related Words

• apply 
• brandish 
• employ 
• exert 
• handle 
• maintain 
• manipulate 
• operate 
• possess 
• swing