brandish

American  

[bran-dish] / ˈbræn dɪʃ /

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

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noun

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

brandish British  

/ ˈbrændɪʃ /

verb

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

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noun

1. a threatening or defiant flourish

Other Word Forms

• brandisher noun

Etymology

Origin of brandish

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

Example Sentences

And the threats from police have not stopped Wine's supporters brandishing the flag at rallies.

From Barron's

As soon as Taylor brandished a yellow, the VAR immediately sent him to the screen because the check had taken place during treatment.

From BBC

From Nepal to Peru, Morocco and Madagascar, brandishing the symbol of a skull and crossbones in a straw hat, Gen Z protests across the world stood up to authorities in 2025, even toppling two governments.

From Barron's

The cleric’s diplomats would voyage forth, brandishing their leader’s skepticism as a means of extracting concessions from foreigners.

From The Wall Street Journal

The non-fisherwoman is also brandishing a crooked staff, curved at the top like a wooden candy cane.

From Literature

Related Words

• flash
• trot out
• wield