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

In fact, wielding the 5,542-pound colossus through a myriad of sweepers, hairpins, and double-apexes was exhilarating rather than frustrating. —Peter Nelson, Robb Report, 14 Sep. 2024

Director Thea Sharrock wields a confident hand, never letting the humor get too broad or allowing the suspense (and some unexpected tragedy) to overtake the tone. —EW.com, 14 Sep. 2024

Rather than accept these terms, Kidman wielded her sexuality as a weapon. —Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 13 Sep. 2024

Feng wields the Jin Gu Bang, a legendary staff made of gold and iron, kills demons and gods alike, and often just can’t stop. —Yue Wang, Forbes, 13 Sep. 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