/ wiːld; NAmE / verb [ vn ]
1.
to have and use power, authority, etc. :
She wields enormous power within the party.
2.
to hold sth, ready to use it as a weapon or tool
SYN brandish :
He was wielding a large knife.
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WORD ORIGIN
Old English wealdan , wieldan govern, subdue, direct , of Germanic origin; related to German walten .