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
often used figuratively
… the ways people weaponize fear in order to hide their own.Justin Chang
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.
But it was also weaponized and used to exclude others. Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026 Bondi fired back that prior administrations had weaponized the agency, but Neguse cut her off, instead turning to her gutting of the Justice Department’s unit tasked with investigating cryptocurrency. The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 17 Feb. 2026 That language is weaponized so maliciously throughout Aïnouz’s second English-language feature speaks to his intent to unnerve the audience relentlessly. David Opie, IndieWire, 15 Feb. 2026 His refusal to weaponize suffering is one of his most important — and most neglected— lessons. Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2026 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 25 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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