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

Traditional leaders don't wield any formal authority in this East African country and are legally barred from engaging in partisan politics. — ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026

Hansen may be the star of the show, but Andie pulls the strings, wielding her authority with an ever-present smack of chewing gum. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026

Another portrays him as wielding defibrillator paddles in a hospital room over a patient flatlining from taxes imposed by Democrats. — Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026

Police in Florida released tense body camera video showing the moment a sword-wielding burglary suspect was tased by deputies after allegedly refusing to drop the weapon. — Greg Norman-Diamond, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 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