weaponize
verb
weap·on·ize
ˈwe-pə-ˌnīz 
weaponized; weaponizing
: to adapt for use as a weapon of war
Examples of weaponize in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The confluence of the conflict and the rapid development – and sheer accessibility – of AI tools have allowed antisemitic groups to weaponize the technology, creating images and audio that are used to harass the Jewish community, according to experts who track online extremism.
—
Donie O'Sullivan, CNN, 14 Nov. 2023
In this fraught moment, dishes like hummus have become weaponized like never before.
—Kim Severson, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2023
But that power also begins to be weaponized, opening a bitter, new front in the culture war.
—Drew Harwell, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2023
Arizona beat the Phillies by weaponizing its speed and aggression.
—Jorge Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2023
Further Reading Cutting-edge hack gives super user status by exploiting DRAM weakness
A year later, researchers on Google's Project Zero vulnerability team devised several ways to weaponize the phenomenon.
—Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 19 Oct. 2023
When the war in Ukraine started, Ukrainians were even translating ISIS manuals that contained instructions about how to weaponize drones, in order to prepare the population to wage an insurgency in case the Russians attacked.
—WIRED, 29 Sep. 2023
On the contrary, the genuine progress that Emily’s elevation represents can all too easily be weaponized against her, dismissed as a sop to political correctness over merit.
—Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2023
But while the prosperity gospel speaks to the groups who are experiencing the worst of times, it’s also being weaponized by some of the most right-wing elements in conservative religious circles as a form of retribution.
—Elle Hardy, The New Republic, 23 Oct. 2023
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Donie O'Sullivan, CNN, 14 Nov. 2023
In this fraught moment, dishes like hummus have become weaponized like never before.
—Kim Severson, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2023
But that power also begins to be weaponized, opening a bitter, new front in the culture war.
—Drew Harwell, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2023
Arizona beat the Phillies by weaponizing its speed and aggression.
—Jorge Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2023
Further Reading Cutting-edge hack gives super user status by exploiting DRAM weakness
A year later, researchers on Google's Project Zero vulnerability team devised several ways to weaponize the phenomenon.
—Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 19 Oct. 2023
When the war in Ukraine started, Ukrainians were even translating ISIS manuals that contained instructions about how to weaponize drones, in order to prepare the population to wage an insurgency in case the Russians attacked.
—WIRED, 29 Sep. 2023
On the contrary, the genuine progress that Emily’s elevation represents can all too easily be weaponized against her, dismissed as a sop to political correctness over merit.
—Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2023
But while the prosperity gospel speaks to the groups who are experiencing the worst of times, it’s also being weaponized by some of the most right-wing elements in conservative religious circles as a form of retribution.
—Elle Hardy, The New Republic, 23 Oct. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'weaponize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1957, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near weaponize
Cite this Entry
“Weaponize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/weaponize. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.
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