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
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.
At the agency, Trainor has muscled support to block Democrats from weaponizing the FEC against Trump and Republicans. Paul Bedard, The Washington Examiner, 7 July 2025 And if any of those drones had been weaponized and under the control of a nefarious actor, the results could have been devastating. Jessica Tisch, New York Daily News, 6 July 2025 Cloverfield is perhaps better remembered for its mysterious viral marketing campaign than for the movie itself, with producer J.J. Abrams' trademark secrecy weaponized to build anticipation over several months. Ew Staff Published, EW.com, 3 July 2025 This is a critical text that shatters neoliberal myths and illusions-elucidating the ways in which hegemonic Black capitalist myths are weaponized to pacify and neutralize the Black political imagination. Suzanne Cope july 3, Literary Hub, 3 July 2025 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 10 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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