verb

wield

WEELD/wiːld/

To hold and use a tool or weapon.

The carpenter wields a wooden mallet to drive the chisel into timber.

A South Asian female carpenter firmly holds and uses a wooden mallet to drive a chisel into timber, realistic tool grip.

Etymology

wieldOld Englishto rule, have power over

Old English wieldan meant to rule or have power over something. That idea of control developed into directing movement and handling a weapon or tool, connecting authority with practical use.

In context

phuktard10:07

The scout learned techniques of hand-to-hand combat and learned to wield a knife.

Liberators The Soldiers of the Red Army 05of12 The Reconnaissance Scouts

More examples

He wields an ax to split the logs.
The knight wielded a heavy sword in battle.
This drill is too heavy to wield with one hand.

Forms

wield · wields · wielded · wielding

wielder noun — Someone who handles a tool or weapon.

Similar words

handle: Emphasizes managing or controlling an object with the hands.
use: Refers broadly to employing something, without necessarily holding it.