Main Entry: wield

Pronunciation: \ˈwēld\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Middle English welden to control, from Old English wieldan; akin to Old High German waltan to rule, Latin valēre to be strong, be worth

Date: before 12th century

1 chiefly dialect : to deal successfully with : manage
2 : to handle (as a tool) especially effectively <wield a broom>
3 a : to exert one's authority by means of <wield influence> b : have at one's command or disposal <did not wield appropriate credentials — G. W. Bonham>

— wield·er noun