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

There was speculation about the contents of a piece of paper he brandished during the visit to Oman, but so far no new date for talks has been set.

From Barron's

“Here we are,” Glory said, and pulled out a pair of jeans and a T-shirt that looked like a long-sleeved baseball shirt but instead of a team logo, there was a knight brandishing a sword.

From Literature

A man on a unicycle brandished a sign, inspired by J.R.R.

From The Wall Street Journal

Razelle Swimmer carried around a puppet of the Swedish Chef from the Muppets, brandishing knives and wearing an apron that said “Eat the Rich.”

From Los Angeles Times

At the event, he wore dark glasses and camouflage fatigues, brandished an Israeli-made rifle and shouted revolutionary slogans.

From Barron's

Related Words

• flash
• trot out
• wield