brandish
verb (used with object)
to shake or wave, as a weapon; flourish.
is brandishing
-
present progressiveof brandish (3rd person singular).present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But over the past couple of years, every other person seems to have ditched their headphones and is brandishing their phones like radios set to a nightmare station.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 15, 2026
Let me give you an example of how the administration is brandishing the decision.
From Slate ● Sep. 29, 2025
Discovery is brandishing its favorite wand, confirming plans for a highly anticipated “Harry Potter” television series, among other high-profile projects for the streaming service formerly known as HBO Max.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 12, 2023
Netanyahu is brandishing his economic credentials; a free market champion credited with reforms he led as finance minister two decades ago, which allowed Israel to weather the 2008 global financial crisis.
From Reuters ● Oct. 13, 2022
Also in the suit is a second photo of the man, later identified as Eric Munchel of Tennessee, in which he is brandishing a shotgun, with Mr. Trump on a television in the background.
From New York Times ● Aug. 13, 2022
