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
Recent Examples on the Web
This data point is often weaponized by traditionalists, boxing our families into voiceless tropes that ignore systemic racism, which has plagued the Black community since the dawn of slavery.
—Ashley Simpo, Parents, 30 Jan. 2026
Her image as an onstage bad girl was weaponized against her, with fans threatening her life at concerts, leaving at one point shotgun shells on the stage during Hole performances, referring to the manner of Cobain’s death.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 30 Jan. 2026
Civil rights advocates warn the surveillance expansion lacks oversight and transparency, raising concerns about data being weaponized against lawful citizens.
—Garance Burke, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
With governments shutting down the internet or weaponizing it, digital squares have emerged to allow people to continue to gather, organize, and evade government actions.
—Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for weaponize
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Ashley Simpo, Parents, 30 Jan. 2026
Her image as an onstage bad girl was weaponized against her, with fans threatening her life at concerts, leaving at one point shotgun shells on the stage during Hole performances, referring to the manner of Cobain’s death.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 30 Jan. 2026
Civil rights advocates warn the surveillance expansion lacks oversight and transparency, raising concerns about data being weaponized against lawful citizens.
—Garance Burke, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
With governments shutting down the internet or weaponizing it, digital squares have emerged to allow people to continue to gather, organize, and evade government actions.
—Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 30 Jan. 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 31 Jan. 2026.
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