wield

/wiːld/ (bre, ipa) · [wˈild] /wiːld/ (ame, ipa) · [wˈild] /ˈwēld How to pronounce wield (audio)/ (ame, mw)

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.動詞及物C1
釋義

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

例句

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

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • drop

    suggests letting the object fall instead of controlling it

  • lower

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

文法句型

wield + weapon/tool

用法筆記

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.

常見錯誤

❌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.動詞及物C1
釋義

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

例句

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

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • lack

    means not having the power or influence at all

  • surrender

    means giving up authority instead of using it

文法句型

wield + power/influence/authority

用法筆記

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.

常見錯誤

❌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.