wield
Bring to bear
To wield something is to hold and use it, especially a tool or weapon: She wielded the hammer with precision, He wielded a sword.
The word extends to abstract power or influence: wield authority, wield political power.
Wield implies active, skillful control—you don't merely possess something, you deploy it effectively.
Part for gripping
- gripSecure manual hold
- operateControl or perform surgery
- manipulateControl through clever influence
- maneuverDeliberate tactical movement
swing · brandish · hold · grasp · heft · employ · ply · work
Hilted fighting blade
Power to enforce obedience
- controlAuthority to direct
- dominionAuthority to rule
- commandAuthoritative instruction given
- influencePower to affect others
sovereignty · dominance · supremacy · clout · leverage · sway · hegemony · reign
Complete skill or control
- expertiseSkill from extensive practice
- proficiencySkilled performance level
- finesseSubtle, deft handling
- dexteritySkillful hand coordination
prowess · adeptness · competence · artistry · technique · precision · craftsmanship · virtuosity
handle
Part for gripping
- gripSecure manual hold
- operateControl or perform surgery
- manipulateControl through clever influence
maneuver · swing · brandish · hold · grasp · heft · employ · ply · work · control
sword
Hilted fighting blade
dagger · spear · hammer · staff · knife · bat · baton · mace · lance · scythe
authority
Power to enforce obedience
influence · sovereignty · dominance · supremacy · clout · leverage · sway · hegemony · reign · lordship
mastery
Complete skill or control
- expertiseSkill from extensive practice
- proficiencySkilled performance level
- finesseSubtle, deft handling
dexterity · prowess · adeptness · competence · artistry · technique · precision · craftsmanship · virtuosity · command
persuasion
Convincing through reasoning
manipulation · pressure · lobbying · coercion · advocacy · negotiation · diplomacy · charm · charisma · propaganda