wield

verb

ˈwēld 

wielded; wielding; wields

transitive verb

1

chiefly dialectal : to deal successfully with : manage

2

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

wield a broom

3

a

: 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

wielder noun

Synonyms

• apply
• exercise
• exert
• ply
• put out

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

The speech is written by the government and delivered by the monarch, the U.K. head of state who wields only symbolic political power in modern times. —Jenni Reid, CNBC, 17 July 2024

The committees have since uncovered a wealth of evidence showing Hunter Biden, who was grappling with crack cocaine and alcohol addiction at the time, wielded his father’s name to foreign executives to secure lucrative business arrangements with them while Joe Biden was vice president. —Ashley Oliver, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 12 July 2024

Sheriffs wield significant law enforcement power in much of America. —ProPublica, 10 July 2024

Here at Bon Appétit, many staffers wield scissors for both kitchen prep work and serving. —Wilder Davies, Bon Appétit, 10 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English welden to control, from Old English wieldan; akin to Old High German waltan to rule, Latin valēre to be strong, be worth

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

wield

verb

ˈwē(ə)ld 

1

: to put (as a tool) to good use

wield a broom

2

: to use one's authority by means of

wield influence

wielder noun