wield

Wield is defined as to handle a tool, weapon or power with skill.

(verb)

  1. An example of to wield is to use a hammer and nails to hang up dozens of pictures.
  2. An example of to wield is for a ruler to use his power to create peace in the land.

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See wield in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb

  1. to handle and use (a tool or weapon), esp. with skill and control
  2. to exercise (power, influence, etc.)
  3. Obsolete to govern or rule

Origin: ME welden, blend of OE wealdan & wieldan, with form < the latter: akin to Ger walten < IE base *wal-, to be strong > L valere, to be strong

Related Forms:

See wield in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb wield·ed, wield·ing, wields
  1. To handle (a weapon or tool, for example) with skill and ease.
  2. To exercise (authority or influence, for example) effectively. See Synonyms at handle.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English welden

Origin: , from Old English wealdan, to rule

Origin: , and wieldan, to govern; see wal- in Indo-European roots

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Related Forms:

  • wieldˈa·ble adjective
  • wieldˈer noun

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