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
weaponization 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.
At the same time, the whole conversation about the border has been weaponized by Trump and his acolytes to demagogue the idea of immigration in the first place. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025 The same tools deployed to translate whale songs could also be weaponized to manipulate nonhuman animals, exploit their use data for commercial purposes, and exert unprecedented levels of surveillance and control over them. David Gruber, Time, 24 Apr. 2025 Related Articles Letters: Trump crypto coins and dinner continue the grift Seven rare earth metals that China is weaponizing against Trump’s tariffs While all that’s going on, the People’s Liberation Army might cut multiple undersea internet cables leading to Taiwan. Nicholas D. Kristof, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2025 Some ostensible environmental regulations are also holding back new clean energy deployment, and in some cases, the red tape is being cynically weaponized against projects like offshore wind farms. Umair Irfan, Vox, 22 Apr. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Weaponize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/weaponize. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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