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 of wield

• exert
• use
• apply

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

Advertisement Bangladesh imports roughly one-sixth of its electricity from India, which hasn’t been shy in wielding that strategic vulnerability as diplomatic leverage. — Charlie Campbell, Time, 20 Oct. 2026

Gray was more enthralled by artists such as Duane Michals and Guy Bourdin, who wielded the camera to surreal effect. — Carolina A. Miranda, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026

Then there’s her devoted, perhaps dangerous, gun-wielding partner and mirror Billy Evans. — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 19 Oct. 2026

At shorter wavelengths, however, the light could be wielded like a scalpel. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

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

Rhymes for wield

• heald
• healed
• heeled
• keeled
• kneeled
• pealed
• peeled
• reeled
• sealed
• shield
• squealed
• steeled

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