Words can be weapons and so can a lot of other things. Maybe that’s why I keep hearing the word “weaponize,” which is defined at merriamwebster.com as follows:
Definition of weaponize
weaponized; weaponizing
transitive verb
: to adapt for use as a weapon of war
Recent Examples of weaponize from the Web:
Facebook, in particular, has come under fire for its partnership with Philippine President Rodrigue Duterte, who has weaponized the social media site to attack his critics.
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Alex Shephard, The New Republic, “Facebook Has a Genocide Problem,” 15 Mar. 2018.
Sinclair explicitly weaponizes local TV news’ reputation for impartiality to amplify White House talking points.
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Eric Levitz, Daily Intelligencer, “Local News Anchors Are Being Forced to Deliver Pro-Trump Propaganda,” 8 Mar. 2018.
Hertzberg said in January that foes were attempting to weaponize the allegations against him to kill his effort to overhaul the money bail system in California.
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Taryn Luna, sacbee, “Hugging banned for California lawmaker after harassment investigation | The Sacramento Bee,” 8 Mar. 2018
With all the real weapons in the word, I can’t imagine why so many other things need to be weaponized. Personally, I was hoping that definition would include an antonym, but it doesn’t (and neither does any other definition of “weaponize”).
Is it weaponizing my blog to clearly state that I’m against weaponization and for the opposite? For now, let’s call that”deweaponization” or maybe just “peace.”
I heard the word “weaponize” on the news yesterday morning and for the rest of the day, I tried to deweaponize by taking these photos.
YouTube has been weaponized with videos like “How to Weaponize Fidget Spinners,” “How to Weaponize IKEA pencils,” “How to Weaponize Trash,” “How to Weaponize Duct Tape,” “How to Weaponize a Beard,” and “How to Weaponize Business Cards.” I’m deweaponizing with this:
I’m also deweaponizing with gratitude for all who helped me with today’s blog post and — of course! — for YOU.
Well, Ann, a weapon can also be used in a game of sport or chance. For instance: In the Final Four games coming up this weekend, Sister Jean may be Loyola of Chicago’s secret weapon. I’ll try to think of the word this way.
This is very sporting of you, Mark, and thanks for taking another chance on this blog.
Thank you for this universal message, Ivor.
I wonder if the opposite of weaponize is disarm?
I find this blog quite disarming!
Your comments are beautifully disarming, Maureen.
As I prepare for a visit with my son and family, I reflect on my role as MIL and how to be a good one.
Packing a roll of duct tape!
You are a good everything, Ruth! Thanks for this great comment.
Mmm…That’s Harley…How attractive….No weapon will stop me!
That cat is weaponizing wigs.
Sending you lots of love to counter the affects of weaponizing, Ann. Lets call it love-izing 💕
Love the way you call it, Val! ❤
Orwell’s Newspeak is unusual in that it’s a language that has fewer words every year. One of 1984’s dictionary writers predicts, thoughtcrime will be impossible because there won’t be a word for it. It will be a world where people will walk around quacking like ducks. Decades later later another British author, Rowling, offered a happier outlook: “Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic. Capable of both inflicting injury, and remedying it.”
Thanks for the magic and the remedy of your words, Chris.
I am glad you called attention to the word! It is used all the time and it’s probably started seeping into my own vocabulary, and as you point it out, I really would like to eliminate it. I think with all the unkind language circulating it does feel like we have “weaponized” even conversation, in particular with social media. But I sure do NOT want to validate the often hateful intent with a label. You have me thinking Ann. Oh dear…and it’s the weekend. 🙂
I think that when we think, we’re less likely to weaponize. You made me think too, Debra! Thank you for your kind attention.
demobilization, maybe disarmament, hmmm….no doubt but words are weapons, but also much, much more and a force for good, like your blog!
Your words are a force for good, Lisa!
Some words should be shot on sight
That’s a great use of a weapon, Derrick.
“Plowsharize” came to mind as a possible antonym, as in beating swords into. But then, most people in modern times wouldn’t know what a plowshare is. Maybe that’s why we have so many problems — we are far removed from the ordinary things of our ancestors’ simple lives, but weapons are still part of our everyday conversation.
I love this comment, Meg. Peace be with you.