wielding

[weel-ding]

adjective

1. exercising power, authority, influence, etc..

   Russia is a veto-wielding member of the UN Security Council.

   Discussion focused on the accountability of power-wielding institutions.

2. using or actively handling a weapon, instrument, etc..

   A torch-wielding group of nationalists gathered around the statue for a nighttime protest.

noun

1. the act of exercising power or authority or of using or handling a weapon, instrument, etc..

   Many programs have fallen to the government’s ceaseless wielding of the budget-cutting knife.

Word History and Origins

Origin of wielding¹

First recorded in 1575–85; wield ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective senses; wield ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun sense

Example Sentences

She was assisted by 10 other chefs in red uniforms wielding long wooden spoons to stir the food.

From BBC

Working with a group of assistants wielding massive wooden spatulas, Baci's crowning dish was later distributed for everyone to enjoy.

From BBC

Seizing and wielding federal political power, not restraining it, is the mission.”

From Salon

On another occasion, Mr Ferns and a friend were attacked by two men wielding swords and bats while they sat in a van.

From BBC

The image depicted a protester lying on the ground holding a blood-spattered placard while a judge, in a wig and gown, looms over him, wielding a gavel.

From BBC

Related Words

• charge 
• handling 
• management 
• manipulation 
• oversight 
• plan 
• policy 
• strategy 
• transaction 
• treatment