wield

verb

ˈwēld 

wielded; wielding; wields

transitive verb

1

chiefly dialectal : to deal successfully with : manage

2

: to handle (something, such as a tool) especially effectively

wield a broom

3

a

: to exert one's authority by means of

wield influence

b

: to have at one's command or disposal

did not wield appropriate credentials

—G. W. Bonham

wielder noun

Synonyms

• apply
• exercise
• exert
• ply
• put out

Examples of wield in a Sentence

The man was wielding a gun.

Can he wield a hammer?

He wields a great deal of influence over his students.

Recent Examples on the Web

Lobby for Balanced Policy Approaches: The business community wields influence in shaping economic policies. —Solange Charas, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025

Critics hold that Musk is wielding his power indiscriminately. —Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 13 Mar. 2025

Trump has made wielding tariff threats against stalwart U.S. partners a core practice of his early second administration. —Carlo Angerer, NBC News, 13 Mar. 2025

While Russia's surface fleet of ships is less impressive and counts just one currently nonoperational aircraft carrier among its ships, the Kremlin wields a daunting undersea fleet. —Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English welden to control, from Old English wieldan; akin to Old High German waltan to rule, Latin valēre to be strong, be worth

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for wield

• heald
• healed
• heeled
• keeled
• kneeled
• pealed
• peeled
• reeled
• sealed
• shield
• squealed
• steeled

Kids Definition

wield

verb

ˈwē(ə)ld 

1

: to put (as a tool) to good use

wield a broom

2

: to use one's authority by means of

wield influence

wielder noun