weaponize
/ˈwepənaɪz/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈwepənaɪz/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈwe-pə-ˌnīz How to pronounce weaponize (audio)/ (ame, mw)
weaponize — verb
- weaponizepresent simple I / you / we / they
- weaponizeshe / she / it
- weaponizedpast simple
- weaponizing-ing form
1. to change harmful biological or chemical substances — such as bacteria, viruses,
to change harmful biological or chemical substances — such as bacteria, viruses, or toxic compounds — into weapons designed to kill or seriously injure large groups of people
A team of UN inspectors found no evidence the lab weaponized anthrax for military use.
active: weaponized + [biological agent] + for [purpose]
During the Cold War, both superpowers spent billions trying to weaponize smallpox and other viruses.
collocation: weaponize + [disease / virus / toxin]
Many leading scientists believe it is dangerously easy to weaponize a newly discovered virus today.
International treaties strictly prohibit any country from weaponizing chemical toxins or nerve agents.
The general worried that weaponizing the nerve agent would put friendly troops at risk.
- convert into a weapon
longer, more literal phrase that explains the process step by step rather than using a single verb
- militarize
broader — can mean adapting anything (technology, resources, territory) for military use, not just turning substances into weapons
- demilitarize
opposite — to remove military capability or purpose from something
- disarm
focused on eliminating weapons rather than the process of creating them
文法句型
weaponize + biological/chemical agent
be weaponized + for + purpose
用法筆記
Almost always used in formal or technical contexts discussing biological or chemical warfare. The passive form (be weaponized) is common, especially in reports about treaty compliance.
常見錯誤
2. to take information, language, personal records, or a situation and use it delib
to take information, language, personal records, or a situation and use it deliberately to attack, discredit, or harm another person or group, especially in political or public contexts
During the election campaign, both parties tried to weaponize the leaked emails against their rivals.
figurative: weaponize + [documents / information] + against + [target]
The senator accused her opponent of weaponizing immigration statistics to scare voters.
Social media platforms are struggling to stop users from weaponizing private photos and personal messages.
Critics argue that the government has weaponized the tax system to punish political enemies.
The family's medical records were weaponized by an anonymous blogger seeking attention.
- exploit
broader — can be neutral or positive; does not necessarily imply hostile intent toward a person
- turn against
more informal, phrasal verb equivalent; often used in everyday conversation
- manipulate
focuses on controlling or distorting a situation for one's own advantage rather than using it directly as a weapon
文法句型
weaponize + information/records/system
be weaponized + against + target
用法筆記
This figurative sense is common in political and media commentary. The target of the attack is typically introduced with the preposition against. The subject is often a person, group, or institution rather than a government or military force.