wield

IPA/wiːld/
KK[wˈild]IPA/wiːld/

wield — verb

  • wieldpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • wieldshe / she / it
  • wieldedpast simple
  • wielding-ing form

1. to keep a weapon or piece of equipment in your hand and use it with control, som

1.verbtransitiveC1
Definition

to keep a weapon or piece of equipment in your hand and use it with control, sometimes to threaten someone and sometimes to do a skilled job

Example

Baraka wielded a knife to cut a path through the thick plants.

wield + weapon/tool in the hand

In the shed, Putri wields a hammer with steady, careful strokes.

common pattern: wield + tool

Common collocations
  • wield a knife
  • wield a hammer
  • wield a brush
  • wield with skill
Synonyms
  • handle

    more neutral; 'wield' stresses control and impact

  • brandish

    stronger and more threatening than 'wield'

  • use

    broader everyday verb; 'wield' is more vivid and forceful

Antonyms
  • drop

    suggests letting the object fall instead of controlling it

  • lower

    applies when a raised weapon or tool is no longer being used

Grammar Patterns

wield + weapon/tool

Usage Note

Usually takes a physical object such as a knife, hammer, broom, or brush. It suggests controlled use, and in tense situations it can imply that the object is being used as a threat.

Common Mistakes

She wielded a good idea in the meeting.
She used a good idea in the meeting.
this sense needs a physical object in the hand, not an abstract idea.

2. to actively use authority, influence, or control so that other people change wha

2.verbtransitiveC1
Definition

to actively use authority, influence, or control so that other people change what they do or decide

Example

As chair, Hannah wields enough influence to delay the final vote.

wield + influence in formal decisions

The governor tried to wield emergency powers after the river burst its banks.

common object: wield emergency powers

Common collocations
  • wield power
  • wield influence
  • wield authority
  • wield control
  • wield considerable power
Synonyms
  • exercise

    formal and common with power or authority; less vivid than 'wield'

  • exert

    often used with influence or pressure on a situation

  • command

    can suggest automatic respect from rank, not just active use

  • hold

    describes possession of power; 'wield' stresses using it

Antonyms
  • lack

    means not having the power or influence at all

  • surrender

    means giving up authority instead of using it

Grammar Patterns

wield + power/influence/authority

Usage Note

Most often takes nouns like power, influence, authority, or control. Compared with simply 'have', 'wield' stresses active use, especially in politics, business, or other institutions.

Common Mistakes

The intern wielded many friends in the office.
The intern had many friends in the office.
this sense is about using power or influence, not simply having relationships.
The minister wielded a big title.
The minister wielded considerable influence.
the object should be a source of power such as influence, authority, or control.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/2

'Wield' suggests active use of power, influence, or authority, often in a way that changes what other people do. 'Exercise' is also formal, but it sounds more neutral and procedural, especially with rights or official powers. 'Exert' is common with influence, pressure, or force and often focuses on the effect on a person or situation. 'Command' usually points to authority that comes from rank, status, or respect, whether or not it is being used at that moment. 'Hold' simply means possessing power. A mayor may hold office, exercise legal powers, exert pressure on a council, and wield influence behind closed doors.

wield ↗exercise ↗exert ↗command ↗hold ↗

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

Wield comes from Old English 'wealdan', meaning 'to control, rule, or direct'. The older idea was having command over something or someone. That sense still appears clearly in 'wield power' and 'wield influence', and the physical sense grew from the idea of controlling a weapon or tool in the hand.

First known use

12th century

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1