- to handle or use (a weapon, tool, etc)
- to exert or maintain (power or authority)
- obsolete to rule
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
wield /wild/USA pronunciation
v. [~ + object]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- to exercise, use, or control:They wielded the power in the government.
- to use (a weapon, instrument, etc.) effectively;
handle:to wield a sword.
wield
(wēld),USA pronunciation v.t.
wield′a•ble, adj.
wield′er, n.
- to exercise (power, authority, influence, etc.), as in ruling or dominating.
- to use (a weapon, instrument, etc.) effectively;
handle or employ actively. - [Archaic.]to guide or direct.
- [Archaic.]to govern;
manage.
- bef. 900; Middle English welden, Old English wieldan to control, derivative of wealdan to rule; cognate with German walten, Old Norse valda, Gothic waldan; akin to Latin valēre to be strong, prevail
wield′er, n.
- 1. exert, employ, utilize. 2. manipulate, control.
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
wield /wiːld/ vb (transitive)
'wield' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):