Dictionary.com

wield

[ weeld ]
/ wild /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for: wield / wielded / wielding on Thesaurus.com

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.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?

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, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH wield

weald, wield
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use wield in a sentence

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, noun

Word 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 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK