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.
And the 12-day war in June left Iran likely no longer enriching uranium for its nuclear program, which the West long has worried could be weaponized. Jason Ma, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2025 Trump’s supporters often insist that Democrats, including James, weaponized the justice system against him first. Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2025 The high-profile indictment comes as both major parties accuse each other of weaponizing the justice system, compounding doubts surrounding its integrity among Americans. Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Oct. 2025 These claims are not only untrue — they are being weaponized to damage my reputation and distract from the truth. Christina Dugan Ramirez , Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Weaponize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/weaponize. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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