Definition of "wield" []

• To handle (a weapon or tool, for example) with skill and ease. (verb-transitive)
• To exercise (authority or influence, for example) effectively. See Synonyms at handle. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "They can keep making the argument that they will once again wield the pen in their favor during redistricting."
• "But I think the influence they wield is way out of proportion to their numbers."
• "When the only power you wield is the power to speak, and persuade others through the force of your arguments (and not through the force of your guns, clubs, or fists), that’s just fine."