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

Kassis brandished his credentials as President Assad’s cousin—which a photographed ID found on his phone after his arrest confirmed—and showed selfies posing with Syrian generals.

From The Wall Street Journal

I twisted in his arms and brandished the sprayer over my shoulder to sprinkle him again, but he managed to turn it on me.

From Literature

The Iron Maiden, registered in the Marshall Islands, and the Liberia-flagged Sino Ocean, brandished China links while sailing through the strait, then removed them once they were out.

From Barron's

They also brandished placards emblazoned with various messages playing on the company's name, such as "Berliners Axed, Shareholders Flourishing" and "Budget Above Staff Futures?"

From Barron's

A woman swung open the door, brandishing a wooden spoon.

From Literature

Related Words

• flash
• trot out
• wield