weaponize
verb
weap·on·ize
ˈwe-pə-ˌnīz 
weaponized; weaponizing
: 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
Justin ChangExamples of weaponize in a Sentence
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The Broncos’ locker room has often rallied around Payton’s messaging, and Denver’s head coach could weaponize the Jaguars’ 2025 response in turn a year later.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 14 May 2026
More ruthless than ever, Tony Baddingham (Tennant) is determined to dismantle his rivals piece-by-piece, weaponizing scandal and manipulating those closest to him to maintain his grip on power.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 13 May 2026
That softness feels revelatory coming from an artist who has so often weaponized irony and overstimulation as an entertainment strategy.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 13 May 2026
Stitt also took a swipe at Drummond, a Republican running for governor, accusing him of weaponizing his office for political gain.
—Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for weaponize
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Luca Evans, Denver Post, 14 May 2026
More ruthless than ever, Tony Baddingham (Tennant) is determined to dismantle his rivals piece-by-piece, weaponizing scandal and manipulating those closest to him to maintain his grip on power.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 13 May 2026
That softness feels revelatory coming from an artist who has so often weaponized irony and overstimulation as an entertainment strategy.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 13 May 2026
Stitt also took a swipe at Drummond, a Republican running for governor, accusing him of weaponizing his office for political gain.
—Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for weaponize
Cite this Entry
“Weaponize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/weaponize. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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