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

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

He bemoaned the lack of political clout wielded by Latinos in L.A., especially when compared with the Black community.

From Los Angeles Times

Now that brand - and that name - is synonymous with the Republican Party, with various members of the Trump family now wielding influence.

From BBC

Backers hope the new system will lead to districts that are fair for voters and limit the ability of elected officials to wield power in an unscrupulous way.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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