Weaponize (verb)

1. To convert something into a weapon.
2. To use something as a weapon.
3. To adapt something for use as a weapon.

Origin:

Recent coinage, from weapon + -ize.

Examples:

1. The dictator weaponized the country's nuclear program.
2. The terrorist group weaponized a commercial airplane.
3. The government weaponized the virus to use it as a biological weapon.
4. The hackers weaponized a software exploit to spread malware.
5. The company weaponized their research to gain a competitive advantage.