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
Instead of seeking collaboration, Noem weaponized fear to undermine trust between communities and local law enforcement who work every day to keep our communities safe.
—Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026
When China, in retaliation for tariffs, threatened to weaponize its rare earth monopoly — a move tested on Japan in 2010 — the administration’s desperation only intensified.
—Markos Kounalakis, Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2026
Henry’s wife Yasmin (Marisa Abela) ultimately convinces Hayley to accuse Dycker of assault, discrediting his story about Tender, and weaponizing #MeToo-era politics.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 5 Mar. 2026
The city of Miami appears close to reaching a settlement in the final remaining lawsuit stemming from accusations that former Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo weaponized city resources against two Little Havana businessmen.
—Tess Riski
march 3, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for weaponize
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Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026
When China, in retaliation for tariffs, threatened to weaponize its rare earth monopoly — a move tested on Japan in 2010 — the administration’s desperation only intensified.
—Markos Kounalakis, Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2026
Henry’s wife Yasmin (Marisa Abela) ultimately convinces Hayley to accuse Dycker of assault, discrediting his story about Tender, and weaponizing #MeToo-era politics.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 5 Mar. 2026
The city of Miami appears close to reaching a settlement in the final remaining lawsuit stemming from accusations that former Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo weaponized city resources against two Little Havana businessmen.
—Tess Riski
march 3, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 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 9 Mar. 2026.
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