wield

[weeld]

verb (used with object)

1. to exercise (power, authority, influence, etc.), as in ruling or dominating.

   Synonyms: utilize, employ, exert

2. to use (a weapon, instrument, etc.) effectively; handle or employ actively.

   Synonyms: control, manipulate

3. Archaic.,  to guide or direct.

4. Archaic.,  to govern; manage.

wield

/ wiːld /

verb

1. to handle or use (a weapon, tool, etc)

2. to exert or maintain (power or authority)

3. obsolete,  to rule

Other Word Forms

• wieldable adjective
• wielder noun
• unwieldable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of wield¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English welden, Old English wieldan “to control,” derivative of wealdan “to rule”; cognate with German walten, Old Norse valda, Gothic waldan; akin to Latin valēre “to be strong, prevail”

Word History and Origins

Origin of wield¹

Old English wieldan, wealdan; related to Old Norse valda, Old Saxon waldan, German walten, Latin valēre to be strong

Example Sentences

Hundreds of women wearing pink and wielding broomsticks marched to parliament in Indonesia's capital on Wednesday to protest against police abuses and wasteful government spending.

From BBC

Neither wields the magnetism of a visibly fit movie star best known for playing Thor in Marvel’s “Avengers” movies.

From Salon

In the realm of redistricting, however, Democrats can potentially use the power they wield in states that they govern to give themselves more seats that they’re likely to win in the 2026 midterm elections.

From Salon

“None of those men could ever imagine someone of Silcott’s race or color wielding that kind of power, despite the phony smiles and benign language used,” Mitchell said in his eulogy at Howard.

From Los Angeles Times

Easy access to firearms: Whether in crowded urban spaces, secure military environments or rural towns, guns were available and wielded with devastating effect.

From Salon

Related Words

• apply 
• brandish 
• employ 
• exert 
• handle 
• maintain 
• manipulate 
• operate 
• possess 
• swing