weaponize
verb
weap·on·ize
ˈwe-pə-ˌnīz 
weaponized; weaponizing
: 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
Justin ChangExamples of weaponize in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Çatak’s focus, all the while, remains on the intimate outcomes of this dynamic, and the way government mechanics are weaponized and inflicted in personal ways.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
And the diaspora voters can be weaponized by authoritarian leaders.
—Michael Paarlberg, The Conversation, 12 Feb. 2026
Attorney General Pam Bondi sparred with members of the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, defending the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein files while pushing back on accusations from Democrats that the department has been weaponized for political ends.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 11 Feb. 2026
Our divisions are constantly nudged, magnified, monetized, and weaponized by systems that profit from keeping us emotionally engaged and perpetually agitated.
—Joe Palaggi, Twin Cities, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for weaponize
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Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
And the diaspora voters can be weaponized by authoritarian leaders.
—Michael Paarlberg, The Conversation, 12 Feb. 2026
Attorney General Pam Bondi sparred with members of the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, defending the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein files while pushing back on accusations from Democrats that the department has been weaponized for political ends.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 11 Feb. 2026
Our divisions are constantly nudged, magnified, monetized, and weaponized by systems that profit from keeping us emotionally engaged and perpetually agitated.
—Joe Palaggi, Twin Cities, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for weaponize
Cite this Entry
“Weaponize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/weaponize. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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