weaponize

verb

weap·​on·​ize ˈwe-pə-ˌnīz How to pronounce weaponize (audio)
weaponized; weaponizing

transitive verb

: to adapt for use as a weapon of war
—often used figuratively
… the ways people weaponize fear in order to hide their own.—Justin Chang
weaponization
ˌwe-pə-nə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce weaponize (audio)
noun

Examples of weaponize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ramaswamy quickly faced bipartisan rebuke for weaponizing the mother, who has a questionable record of her own, against his opponent. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 30 Oct. 2026 Its own models going rogue or causing catastrophe The filing says that advanced AI systems pose existential risks particularly if they are misused, weaponized, or allowed to operate with high autonomy. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2026 Arden said in an interview that his intention in casting Whitford as the villain was not to weaponize the audience’s memories of the actor as a one-time liberal icon. — David MacK, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026 The couple then allegedly weaponized their royal status, dropping a series of explosive claims in various documentaries and Harry’s 2023 memoir, Spare. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for weaponize

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of weaponize was in 1938

Rhymes for weaponize

See All Rhymes for weaponize

Browse Nearby Words

weaponeer
weaponize
weaponless
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Weaponize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/weaponize. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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