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 comment cards and all that stuff is very challenging, and then people weaponize that in different ways. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 24 Aug. 2026

Technology can provide extraordinary opportunities for communication and connection, but it can also be weaponized by predators seeking access to children. — Logan Smith, CBS News, 22 Aug. 2026

Now, left-wing activists are trying to wrongfully weaponize the courts to censor him again and harm our shareholders. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026

Security experts at NordVPN are also warning that the leaks could be easily weaponized. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 20 Aug. 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