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View synonyms for

wield

[ weeld ]

verb (used with object)

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

    Synonyms: , ,

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

    Synonyms: ,

  3. Archaic. to guide or direct.
  4. Archaic. to govern; manage.


wield

/ ɾː /

verb

  1. to handle or use (a weapon, tool, etc)
  2. to exert or maintain (power or authority)
  3. obsolete.
    to rule
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈɾ, noun
  • ˈɾ岹, adjective
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Other Word Forms

  • ɾ·· adjective
  • ɾ· noun
  • un·ɾ·· adjective
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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 ŧ “to be strong, prevail”
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Word History and Origins

Origin of wield1

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

Examples have not been reviewed.

For Waters, humor is the ultimate weapon, and he wields it with irreverent goodwill, mocking himself first before tearing into anyone else.

From

Now, wielding a sledgehammer, this president is destroying that promise for this and future generations.”

From

But it’s still unclear whether anyone will mount a serious challenge to an incumbent who still wields considerable clout.

From

Because Google wields so much power over online advertising, the company was able to set rules and manipulate the system in ways that benefited itself and harmed rivals, the DOJ alleges in its lawsuit.

From

That leverage is also being wielded more than ever before this spring by players willing to bet their programs would rather negotiate their NIL deals than replace them in the portal.

From

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