wield

3 definitions • 3 examples

to hold a weapon or tool and look as if you are going to use it:

She was confronted by a man wielding a knife.

to have a lot of influence or power over other people:

He still wields enormous influence in politics.

to have or use power, authority, or influence, or to hold and use a weapon:

Under the new city charter, the mayor wields most of the power.