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
The changes have provoked criticism from Democrats, who have accused the president of trying to weaponize the arts for political purposes.
—Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026
But when weaponized as a tool for ending a relationship in the middle of the wilderness, it is compounded by a potential for dangerous outcomes.
—Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 9 Mar. 2026
Drury will be looking to weaponize that flexibility, and though that’s usually more of an offseason maneuver, it shouldn’t be ruled out if the right opportunity presents itself this week.
—Peter Baugh, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for weaponize
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.
Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026
But when weaponized as a tool for ending a relationship in the middle of the wilderness, it is compounded by a potential for dangerous outcomes.
—Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 9 Mar. 2026
Drury will be looking to weaponize that flexibility, and though that’s usually more of an offseason maneuver, it shouldn’t be ruled out if the right opportunity presents itself this week.
—Peter Baugh, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for weaponize
Cite this Entry
“Weaponize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/weaponize. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
