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

As advocates have pointed out, these qualifiers are vague enough that they could be wielded against anyone who expresses their sexuality or defies traditional gender roles. —Abby Monteil, Them., 7 Nov. 2025

In comparison to the former, the Misen won’t readily rust, is lighter to wield and quicker to heat, and doesn’t ask for much in terms of maintenance and care. —Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Nov. 2025

Throughout the film, audiences watch Perfidia wield her sexuality, while also being an object of desire for both men. —Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025

On an unassuming suburban baseball field in 2009, two promising teenagers wielded their bats for a small collection of scouts. —Ben Watanabe, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025

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