weaponize

[ wep-uh-nahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, weap·on·ized, weap·on·iz·ing.

1. to supply or equip with a weapon or weapons:

   to weaponize trucks and helicopters.

2. to develop (a chemical, microorganism, etc.) for use as a weapon, as in biological warfare:

   to weaponize uranium;

   weaponized anthrax.

3. to use as a means to gain a powerful advantage:

   She has been known to weaponize her femininity.

weaponize

/ ˈwɛpəˌnaɪz /

verb

1. to adapt (a chemical, bacillus, etc) in such a way that it can be used as a weapon

Other Words From

• weapon·i·zation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of weaponize¹

First recorded in 1955–60; weapon ( def ) + -ize ( def )

Example Sentences

But our identities have been weaponized, and our stories have become taboo again.

From Los Angeles Times

“First the Supreme Court granted a president immunity for weaponizing the Justice Department. Now Donald Trump wants to appoint Matt Gaetz as AG?”

From Los Angeles Times

Some of his aides and advisers say that Trump has been a victim of “weaponized” prosecutions by Democrats, and he does not plan to carry out a campaign of revenge from the Justice Department.

From Los Angeles Times

But Musk purchasing the world’s town square only to weaponize it to support his own agenda, and Fox admittedly lying to viewers nonstop to promote Trump, isn’t political speech presumptively entitled to legal protection.

From Salon

The fact that she doesn't have biological children might not have been weaponized as a rebuke of her "humbleness."

From Salon