wield

1 of 2

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

wielder

2 of 2

noun

wield·​er

-də(r)

plural -s

: one that wields (as a weapon or implement)

Synonyms of wield

Verb

• exert
• use
• apply

Examples of wield in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

The mutants' powerful beam-wielding team captain is among several characters being cast for the movie, with its Emma Frost also reportedly cast. — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026

Here is a man who believes fervently in his own flattery but also wields it like a weapon. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026

When individuals and institutions have spoken out against policy toward Israel, the president has wielded the power of the state to attack them, withholding funding from universities and deporting and jailing protesters. — Michael Fuchs, Foreign Affairs, 6 Aug. 2026

The nature of lightsaber-wielding warriors like the Jedi and Sith — both ancient concepts to the galaxy's common people — is also questioned. — Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 5 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

Verb

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