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

• exert
• use
• apply

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

The Trump Administration slashed FEMA and USAID, and disaster declarations are increasingly wielded as political tools. —Nick Allardice, Time, 10 July 2025

Unlikely to be charmed by the way Murderbot has chosen to wield its free will (binging space operas), the Company will either take that freedom away or scrap the bot entirely to avoid the risk. —Shania Russell, EW.com, 9 July 2025

But the artist has an innate understanding that the most constructive way of wielding control can be using it to carve out moments where honest emotion is sure to be unleashed. —Chris Willman, Variety, 9 July 2025

The rest of the world ought to be jealous and be forewarned that the country is going to wield its AGI to garner prodigious economic power. —Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 8 July 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