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

Derived Forms

• ˈwielder, noun
• ˈwieldable, adjective

Other Words From

• wield·a·ble adjective
• wield·er noun
• un·wield·a·ble 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

Republicans will have a majority in the Senate next year, but Schiff will still wield a significant amount of power, said former California Sen. Barbara Boxer.

From Los Angeles Times

But, with dry weather forecast, South Africa can wield the scalpel as well as the sledgehammer.

From BBC

How destructive his term will be remains unknowable, but his helter-skelter, vengeance-fueled approach to wielding power may have the ironic effect of impeding his ability to deliver on his more radical promises.

From Salon

By 2028, voters will elect a county executive, who will function similar to a mayor, overseeing department heads, drafting the budget and wielding veto power over the board’s policies.

From Los Angeles Times

Once again, California — despite it wielding by far the largest cache of electoral votes in the nation — kept its record intact of never having sent a Democrat to the White House.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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