[Ads-l] weaponize (1871); weaponized (1960)

dave@wilton.net dave at WILTON.NET
Sun Feb 22 13:38:17 UTC 2026


I found an 1871 literal use of the verb "to weaponize" (OED has 1938):
 
“What a Merchant Saw in Europe” (8 April 1871). Rutland Daily Herald (Vermont), 28 December 1871, 2/4. Readex: America’s Historical Newspapers.

"I have also observed how general is the custom among the senoritas to trim their unclipped finger-nails sharply to a point, a custom to which to say nothing of its detraction from womanly charms, is very suggestive of an intent to weaponize hands God made for caressing."
 
And I found a 1960 use of "weaponized" in a figurative sense (OED has 1988 for the figurative use):
 
Heavey, James. “State Tax Collector Ready for Troupers.” Binghamton Press (New York), 7 August 1960, 12-C/1.

"Nothing is sacred in the cool eyes of New York State’s increasingly weaponized tax men. Not even the traditional haphazard financial habits of boxers, wrestlers and chorus girls."
 
 
 

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