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

Miss Lilian would yell and brandish her cane.

From Literature

Crossing Fourteenth Street, an unmedicated psychotic would brandish a toilet brush, his mouth moving wordlessly as, in my head, the young people of France requested a table with a view of the fountain.

From Literature

Tyrion felt a sudden urge to leap up, brandish his axe, and boom out, "Casterly Rock!" but the insanity passed quickly and he crouched down lower.

From Literature

Reputation is like a sort of armor, or a weapon you can brandish if need be.

From Literature

Best mates at Bournemouth, midfielders Ryan Christie and Lewis Cook run the rule over various sporting and social controversies - but will they dish out a booking or brandish a straight red?

From BBC

Related Words

• flash
• trot out
• wield