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brandish

[ bran-dish ]
/ ˈbræn dɪʃ /
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See synonyms for: brandish / brandishing on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object)
to shake or wave, as a weapon; flourish: Brandishing his sword, he rode into battle.
noun
a flourish or waving, as of a weapon.
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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, -ish2

OTHER WORDS FROM brandish

bran·dish·er, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to brandish

flash, trot out, wield, display, disport, exhibit, expose, gesture, parade, raise, shake, show, sport, swing, threaten, warn, come on strong, show off, throw weight around

How to use brandish in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for brandish

brandish
/ (ˈbrændɪʃ) /
verb (tr)
to wave or flourish (a weapon) in a triumphant, threatening, or ostentatious way
noun
a threatening or defiant flourish

Derived forms of brandish

brandisher, noun

Word Origin for brandish

C14: from Old French brandir, from brand sword, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German brant weapon
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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