weaponize

verb

weap·​on·​ize ˈwe-pə-ˌnīz 

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

ˌwe-pə-nə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Examples of weaponize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Rise Of Proxy Cyber Warfare Nations are weaponizing cyberattacks to knock out critical infrastructure, from power grids to communications networks. — Steve Durbin, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026

With the discourse on immigration at boiling point and far-right politicians weaponizing the issue to wield power, the narrative has never been so fraught. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026

To weaponize this advantage, the 30 clubs have withheld roughly $75 million each in central-fund distributions, amassing a $2 billion liquidity holdback. — Chris Koras, Sportico.com, 28 Sep. 2026

The Russian military has sought to weaponize Ukraine prisoners of war by forcing them to denounce their commanders, government and homeland in propaganda videos reaching new audiences in the age of social media. — Yasmin Vossoughian, NBC news, 25 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for weaponize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies