How to say "wield" in Japanese

• 振り回すふりまわすCommon
  godan verb, transitive verbCovers the physical sense of 'wield': brandishing or flourishing something and waving it about. The image is swinging an object around, often vigorously or conspicuously.
  そのように刃物はものを振り回ふりまわすことは危険きけんだ。↗

  It is dangerous to wield an edged tool in such a way.
• 振りかざすふりかざすCommon
  godan verb, transitive verbCovers the figurative sense: wielding power or authority, brandishing it as if held aloft; also proclaiming one's principles, holding them up for others to see.

Use 「振り回す」 for the literal sense of wielding, i.e. brandishing or waving a physical object about; use 「振りかざす」 for the figurative sense of wielding power or authority, or proclaiming one's principles.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 振り回すふりまわすto wield
• 振るうふるうto swing
• 振りかざすふりかざすto wield (e.g. power, authority)