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.
Georgia has weaponized them into championships. — Jeff Sentell, AJC.com, 17 June 2026 The decent man across the aisle, who chose not to weaponize someone else’s private struggle for a political win. — Carl Kurlander, Deadline, 13 June 2026 There is no doubt Russia is weaponizing the spat, said Kniazhytskyi, the lawmaker. — Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 27 June 2026 Attackers no longer need to spend time studying weaknesses, weaponizing them or building distribution channels because the kill chain can now be compressed exponentially. — Michelle Drolet, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for weaponize

Word History

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of weaponize was in 1957

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 7 Jul. 2026.

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