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

Of course, the leverage that Biden has been willing to wield over Netanyahu has always been limited. —Andrew Payne, Scientific American, 17 Oct. 2024

And dedicated fans are not the only ones wielding these newer tools. —Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 15 Oct. 2024

International Relations And Cybersecurity Threats Likewise, elections wield considerable sway over international relations, closely intertwined with cybersecurity. —Neil Lampton, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024

Matthew's favorite moment is seeing an almost mischievous Reeve raise an eyebrow, smile and look deep into the camera, usually a home video recorder wielded by his doting wife, Dana. —Marco Della Cava, USA TODAY, 11 Oct. 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