Vocabulary in context
SAT Vocabulary Workbook
The closest companion to SATVocab for students who want guided lessons and written practice.
Check the workbook
Wield
To hold and use with the hands; to exercise power, influence, or authority.
verbCheck this word before you leave
Pick the meaning. Keys A–D work too.
How well do you know this word now?
Your choice schedules the next review.
💡
Imagine This
The welders, who join pieces of metal together, must wield a high-temperature torch gun skillfully in order to properly align the pieces.
🔊
Sounds Like
weeld
👀
Looks Like
A person gripping and using a tool or weapon; a hand actively manipulating an object.
📝
Remember This
Wield is often paired with power, influence, or tools/weapons. Do not confuse with yield (to give way) or with the misspelling weild.
📚
Other Forms
wieldingverb
wieldsverb
wieldedverb
wieldernoun
wieldableadjective
🔗
Connect With
exert, exercise, use, control, influence, command
📌
Note
Wield is transitive and takes a direct object (you wield power, you wield a sword). Common mistakes include confusing with 'yield' or misspelling as 'weild'.
🧠
Study Deeper
Examples
- The knight could wield a sword with great skill.
- A leader wields considerable influence over policy decisions.
Synonyms
exertemployuseexercisebrandish
Antonyms
relinquishsurrenderignore
Etymology
From Old English wealdan 'to rule, govern, control,' related to weald 'power, authority.' The sense evolved to mean holding and using a tool or weapon as well as exercising power.
Mnemonic
WIELD stands for Will Influence, Exercise Leadership Daily.
Next Word
Continue in alphabetical order.
Try a Random Word
Pick any word below to jump in.
Garbled
adjectiveDistorted or unclear, especially a statement or text whose intended meaning has been corrupted or obscured.
Credible
adjectiveCapable of being believed; believable or trustworthy enough to be accepted as true.
Inflexible
adjectiveNot easily bent, altered, or persuaded; stubbornly unyielding in opinions or behavior.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
Absolve
verbTo free someone from blame or responsibility; to pardon or exonerate.
Study beyond this word
Turn vocabulary practice into a complete SAT plan
Add a workbook for repetition or the official guide for full-test context.
First-time test takers
Official SAT Guide
Official question styles, test structure, and print practice from the College Board.
Check the official guidePaid Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.