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

Hayden Christensen ultimately wielded the lightsaber in the prequel movies. —Jessica Wang, EW.com, 12 May 2025

In all three arenas, the Trump administration is wielding influence, Ed, but not necessarily control. —/ Cbs News, CBS News, 11 May 2025

Duffy's wife Rachel Campos-Duffy is a host on Hegseth's former Fox News show; the influence former Fox producer Jennifer Hegseth has wielded during the defense secretary's brief tenure has drawn unwanted press scrutiny. —David Folkenflik, NPR, 10 May 2025

Flying enemies zip around above, some hurling ghostly skulls at you, others wielding annoyingly long whips. —Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 9 May 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