To hold and use something skillfully, especially a tool or weapon, or to exercise power or influence over others.
From Old English 'wieldan' meaning to govern or control. The word evolved from Proto-Germanic roots related to power and strength, eventually narrowing to mean physical control of objects.
Medieval knights 'wielded' swords, but today CEOs and politicians also 'wield' power—the word bridges the gap between physical strength and influence, showing how language absorbs abstract meanings from concrete actions.
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