Crossword puzzle clue "wielded as influence"

EXERT, to make an effort

to dress timber with a cutting tool with an arched blade set at right angles to the handle, also ADZ

to chop or cut down, also AX

AX, (US) to chop with a cutting tool, also AXE

to hit a ball with a bat (cricket, baseball)

BATON, to strike with a truncheon, also BATOON