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 ); see origin at brand, -ish ²

Explanation

To brandish something is to wave it about aggressively, as one might brandish a sword or tennis racket (if it's a particularly intense game). Brandish often implies that a person is wielding a physical weapon. In fact, brandish comes from the archaic French word brandir, meaning "sword." However, it’s also possible to brandish objects that aren’t weapons. If you win a bowling tournament, for example, you might be inclined to brandish your shiny new trophy in front of the other competitors. Be careful, though; they might mistake your trophy for a "brandir" and respond accordingly.

Example Sentences

Brandish was chased after giving up three runs in the fifth and replaced by Cionel Perez, who struck out Nick Maton with two runners on to get out of the inning.

From Washington Times • Apr. 30, 2023

Brandish ing their wormy palettes, these venerable shades mock the belief in linear progress that was once a byword of modernism.

From Time Magazine Archive

Comets, importing change of times and states, Brandish your crystal tresses in the sky, And with them scourge the bad revolting stars That have consented unto Henry’s death!”

From Folk-lore of Shakespeare by Thiselton-Dyer, Thomas Firminger

Some rugged ruffian makes a hideous rout— Brandish thy cudgel, threaten him to baste; The filthy fungus far from thee cast out; Such noxious banquets never suit my taste.

From The Anatomy of Melancholy by Burton, Robert

Brandish not thy dagger, Melpomene, at this profanation!

From Chambers's Edinburgh Journal, No. 449 Volume 18, New Series, August 7, 1852 by Chambers, Robert

Related Words

• flash
• trot out
• wield