verb
wield
weeld
verb
1
To hold and use a tool or weapon skilfully.
"She wielded the sword with practised ease."
"He wielded a paintbrush like a true artist."
2
To hold and exercise power or influence.
"The committee wields considerable influence over local policy."
"She wielded her authority carefully and fairly."
How to Use Wield
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo handle a tool or weapon skilfully, or to hold and use power effectively.
Common pairings
wield a weapon
wield power
wield influence
Word Forms
wielded past tense, wields plural, wields singular
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Etymology
From Old English wealdan ("to rule, control"), from a Germanic root meaning "to rule" — related to the older sense of the word "wield" as "to govern".