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

Andrew Haigh is a master of restraint, a talent that he’s often weaponized against his own creations to beautiful and shattering effect. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2026

The way last season ended — with a College Football Playoff snub, followed by opting out of bowl season entirely — and the way Freeman has weaponized it matter. — Pete Sampson, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

The latest efforts to derail El-Sayed’s campaign include weaponizing his association with leftist Twitch streamer Hasan Piker. — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026

That means China’s monopoly power, and its ability to weaponize it, will expand as its surpluses force more and more foreign companies out of business. — Chad P. Bown, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 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