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

Members of Arkansas' congressional delegation could wield tremendous influence in the next Congress. —Alex Thomas, arkansasonline.com, 3 Nov. 2024

The two suspects got out of the car, each wielding firearms, and approached the victims. —Nollyanne Delacruz, The Mercury News, 1 Nov. 2024

Images of Trump riding cats while wielding assault rifles or Harris in communist attire have become common political memes, particularly on conservative social media. —Joshua Dupuy, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

How Chicago’s Teachers’ Union played politics leaving the city in political, financial turmoil Amber Duke and Niall Stanage discuss the powerful Teachers’ Union in Chicago and its plan to wield that power through the mayor’s office. —The Hill, 30 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