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

Logitech Wireless Gaming Mouse Deal The Logitech G305 Mouse weaponizes competitive desktop mobility through a 1ms report rate wireless connection and a precise 12,000 DPI Hero optical sensor. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 9 July 2026

The billionaire developer in 2025 filed a lawsuit looking to block Hackman Capital from renovating TV City, alleging a state environmental law long-weaponized to stymie building efforts that require city approval. — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026

AfD vehemently rejects accusations of extremism and argues the agency is being weaponized by mainstream parties. — ABC News, 3 July 2026

Democrats fear that the president could weaponize federal agencies on or after Election Day. — Karen Yourish, New York Times, 2 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for weaponize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies