wield etymology

Etymology

• Old English: wealdan, wealda
• Proto-Germanic: *waldaną
• Proto-Indo-European: *wel-dʰe- (to rule)

Meaning

• To have or exercise control or power over (a weapon, tool, or object)
• To use or employ (a faculty, skill, or resource)

Origin

The word "wield" originates from the Old English word "wealdan," which means "to rule" or "to possess." This word is derived from the Proto-Germanic root "waldaną" and ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European root "wel-dʰe-,* which also means "to rule."

In Old English, the verb "wealdan" was used to refer to a wide range of actions involving control or possession. It could mean to rule a kingdom, command an army, or simply own a piece of property. Over time, the word's meaning narrowed to focus on the act of physically using or employing something.

The word "wield" entered the English language in the 14th century and has been used since then to describe the act of holding and using a weapon, tool, or other object. It can also be used figuratively to refer to the use of a skill or resource.

wield relate terms

• herald

  Etymology The word herald comes from the Old French word heraut which in turn comes

• Harry

  Etymology Harry is derived from the Germanic name Heinrich which is composed of two elem

• wield

  Etymology Old English wealdan wealda Proto Germanic waldaną Proto Indo European w

• Reynold

  Etymology German Reinwald Latin Raginwalda from ragin advice waldan to rule

• reckon

  Etymology Middle English reknen from Old English reccan Proto West Germanic rakōn

• wield

  Etymology Old English wealdan wealda Proto Germanic waldaną Proto Indo European w

• unwieldy

  Etymology Old English unwieldy Proto Germanic unwaldigaz Proto Indo European uel

• maintain

  Etymology Derived from the Old French word maintenir which means to hold keep or

• handle

  Etymology of Handle The word handle originates from the Middle English word handelen

• Rasputin

  Etymology and Meaning The name Rasputin is derived from the Russian word rasputnik w

• sledge

  Etymology and Origin The word sledge comes from the Middle English word sledde which

• launch

  Etymology Old French lanchier lancier Vulgar Latin lanceāre Classical Latin lance

• rein

  Rein Etymology The word rein is derived from the Middle English term reine which is

• pump

  Etymology The word pump comes from the Middle English word pompe which is derived f

• hold

  Etymology Old English healdan Proto West Germanic haldan Proto Germanic haldaną P

• swing

  Etymology The word swing has its origins in the Old Norse word svifta which means