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.
Every terawatt-hour of domestic renewable generation is a terawatt-hour that no adversary can weaponize. David Frykman, Fortune, 25 Mar. 2026 Those articles separately accuse Bondi of weaponizing the Justice Department against political opponents and obstructing Congress' investigation into Epstein's circle. Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026 But only recently have officials in the region realized that street cameras, too, could be weaponized. ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026 Blending absurdist humor with social critique, the series explores how civility can be weaponized to justify cruelty. Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 23 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Weaponize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/weaponize. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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