brandish

[bran-dish]

verb (used with object)

1. to shake or wave, as a weapon; flourish.

   Brandishing his sword, he rode into battle.

   Synonyms: display, wield, flaunt, swing

noun

1. a flourish or waving, as of a weapon.

brandish

/ ˈbrændɪʃ /

verb

1. to wave or flourish (a weapon) in a triumphant, threatening, or ostentatious way

noun

1. a threatening or defiant flourish

Other Word Forms

• brandisher noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of brandish¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English bra(u)ndisshen, from Anglo-French, Middle French brandiss- (long stem of brandir, derivative of brand “sword,” from Germanic ); brand, -ish ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of brandish¹

C14: from Old French brandir , from brand sword, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German brant weapon

Example Sentences

Outside a recent Mamdani rally, Santiago, a 69-year-old retiree who did not give his last name, brandished a banner reading "we want affordable housing for our community."

Read more on Barron's

The husband-and-wife team were dressed in black and silver, with Chock brandishing a flaring skirt's red lining to great dramatic effect.

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Though Ford backed off at the time, he again brandished the threat in Toronto this month after U.S.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It was also claimed in court that the 15-year-old boy was "threatening and abusive" to Amen three days before he was killed, by brandishing a sword and metal barrier and shouting and swearing.

Read more on BBC

Instead of trying to stop the thieves, who were brandishing their grinders as weapons, the guards focused on evacuating visitors.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• flash 
• trot out 
• wield