weaponize

verb

weap·​on·​ize ˈwe-pə-ˌnīz How to pronounce weaponize (audio)
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 noun

Examples of weaponize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Both parties have weaponized the justice system. Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 23 May 2026 Governor Gavin Newsom's office defended the framework, calling protests against Hernandez a cynical attempt to weaponize the debate. Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026 Trump has been accused of weaponizing the current Justice Department. Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 19 May 2026 The film arrives at a moment when gender non-conforming people are being openly weaponized in political discourse across multiple countries. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for weaponize

Word History

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of weaponize was in 1957

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Cite this Entry

“Weaponize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/weaponize. Accessed 27 May. 2026.

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