wield
[ weeld ]
/ wild /
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verb (used with object)
to exercise (power, authority, influence, etc.), as in ruling or dominating.
to use (a weapon, instrument, etc.) effectively; handle or employ actively.
Archaic. to guide or direct.
Archaic. to govern; manage.
SYNONYMS FOR wield
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Origin of wield
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
OTHER WORDS FROM wield
wield·a·ble, adjectivewielder, nounun·wield·a·ble, adjectiveWORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH wield
weald, wieldDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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British Dictionary definitions for wield
wield
/ (wiːld) /
verb (tr)
to handle or use (a weapon, tool, etc)
to exert or maintain (power or authority)
obsolete to rule
Derived forms of wield
wieldable, adjectivewielder, nounWord Origin for wield
Old English wieldan, wealdan; related to Old Norse valda, Old Saxon waldan, German walten, Latin valēre to be strong
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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