wield

/wild/

/wild/

Other forms: wielded; wielding; wields

If you wield a tool or a weapon, you handle it effectively. Picture a gallant knight wielding a sword or a skillful chef wielding a whisk.

You don't just have to wield something physical; you can also wield or exert influence or authority. Wield is frequently followed by the word power. If you were a king, you could wield great power in your kingdom — exerting your influence over everything from food rations to castle upkeep. As it is, though, you might just wield power over your pet goldfish. Note: wield follows the i before e, except after c spelling rule.

Definitions of wield

1. verb

   handle effectively
   synonyms: handle, manage

   types:

   ply

   wield vigorously

   pump

   operate like a pump; move up and down, like a handle or a pedal

   sweep, swing, swing out

   make a big sweeping gesture or movement

   goose

   give a spurt of fuel to

   type of:

   manipulate

   hold something in one's hands and move it
2. verb

   have and exercise
   “wield power and authority”

   synonyms: exert, maintain

   type of:

   have, have got, hold

   have or possess, either in a concrete or an abstract sense