wield

Intermediatezipf 3.21

Pronunciation

/wiːld/(WEELD)

Part of speech

verbneutral

Chinese

① 挥舞（武器/工具）② 行使（权力/影响力）

Definition

To hold and use a weapon or tool; to exercise power or influence.

Word family

  • wielder/ˈwiːldə/(n)使用者

Collocations

  • wield power
  • wield influence
  • wield a sword
  • wield authority

Examples

  1. 1.The CEO wields enormous influence over the board. (exercise power)
  2. 2.The knight wielded his sword with great skill. (handle a weapon)

Synonyms

  • exercise/ˈɛksəsaɪz/— use authority, formal
  • brandish/ˈbrændɪʃ/— wave a weapon threateningly
  • handle/ˈhændl/— hold and use, simpler

Etymology

from Old English "wieldan" = to control, govern — to have power over something in your hands