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

Zoom in: Musk, who has wielded significant influence in the Trump administration, may be stepping back in coming months, the president said Thursday. —Ben Berkowitz, Axios, 5 Apr. 2025

Through them, the Chinese firm has persuaded the president to defend a tool wielded by America’s foremost foreign adversary. —The Editors, National Review, 5 Apr. 2025

Still, Cornyn, who has trounced past challengers, is a prodigious fundraiser and wields widespread influence as a senior senator. —Kayla Guo, ProPublica, 4 Apr. 2025

Trump has wielded tariffs aggressively in his second term in office, levying import taxes on America’s largest trading partners. —Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 2 Apr. 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