wield

verb

\ˈwēld

wielded; wielding; wields

Definition of wield

transitive verb

1 chiefly dialectal : to deal successfully with : manage

2 : to handle (something, such as a tool) especially effectively wield a broom

3a : to exert one's authority by means of wield influence

b : to have at one's command or disposal did not wield appropriate credentials— G. W. Bonham

Other Words from wield Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about wield

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of wield in a Sentence

The man was wielding a gun. Can he wield a hammer? He wields a great deal of influence over his students.

Recent Examples on the Web

Last week—probably on Wednesday—he was killed by Sentinelese men wielding bows and arrows while attempting to approach them on their island. — Tunku Varadarajan, WSJ, "Death of a Missionary," 25 Nov. 2018 By wielding a giant sword and chanting a mantra, Adora changes from mumsy space cadet into a disco-interpretation of a goddess: gold go-go boots, matching golden gauntlets, a winged vaguely Nordic tiara, and a crimson cape. — Alex Abad-santos, Vox, "She-Ra and the Princesses of Power honors and challenges the original She-Ra.," 21 Nov. 2018 Many of the bones seem to bear the marks of butchering by tool-wielding hominins. — Kiona N. Smith, Ars Technica, "Archaeologists find 300,000-year-old stone tools in Saudi Arabia," 29 Oct. 2018 Authorities say Laquan was wielding a knife when the shooting occurred in October 2014. — Jewel Wicker, Teen Vogue, "Jason Van Dyke, the Cop Who Murdered Laquan McDonald, Was Found Guilty," 5 Oct. 2018 In 1987, McDonald was directing a raid on a Chinatown storefront that was dealing in fake Rolexes when she was attacked by a man wielding a metal pipe. — Catherine Hong, Town & Country, "An Expert on Counterfeit HandBags Reveals How You Can Always Spot the Fakes," 17 Sep. 2018 An Associated Press photographer captured an image of Long firing the flamethrower toward a man wielding a flagpole during the deadly Aug. 12 rally. — Fox News, "Counterprotester who used flamethrower during Charlottesville rally appeals conviction," 21 Aug. 2018 This includes larger-than-life paintings of police officers brandishing water guns, encircling victims with lassos, and wielding power in nightmarish ways. — Carolina A. Miranda, latimes.com, "Datebook: Shots of old Route 66, dreamlike paintings and garments fashioned from paper," 12 July 2018 The first season of the series is still following Maggie and her sisters Mel (Melonie Diaz and Macy (Madeleine Mantock) learning to wield their magical powers (Maggie’s is telepathy) while collectively grappling with their mother’s mysterious death. — Chelsea Greenwood Lassman, Teen Vogue, ""Charmed" Star Sarah Jeffery on the Resurgence of Witches and Why She'd Use Her Powers on Her Dog," 12 Nov. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'wield.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.