weaponize

verb

weap·​on·​ize ˈwe-pə-ˌnīz How to pronounce weaponize (audio)
weaponized; weaponizing

transitive verb

: to adapt for use as a weapon of war
weaponization noun

Examples of weaponize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These plays, of course, are to weaponize Drake Maye’s mobility, something last year’s staff failed to do by never once calling Maye’s number as a runner. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025 But Kennedy has already propagated an insidious revolution within the agencies under his control, using a playbook familiar to illiberal leaders—culling expertise, silencing critics, and weaponizing administrative procedure to grant a veneer of legitimacy to his actions. Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2025 Harjo understands better than all but a few of his star’s previous collaborators how to weaponize Hawke’s gift for playing talkative dirtbags who are equal parts insufferable and charming. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 4 Sep. 2025 This interplay of Johnson’s curling and the Denver’s already motion-heavy offense looks to be a perfect fit, especially in how the Nuggets have long weaponized Jokic’s DHOs as a staple action of their offense. Joel Rush, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for weaponize

Word History

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of weaponize was in 1957

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Cite this Entry

“Weaponize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/weaponize. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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