brandish
verb (used with object)
to shake or wave, as a weapon; flourish.
was brandishing
-
past progressiveof brandish.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Shortly after Pretti was killed, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had accused him of "domestic terrorism" and said he was "brandishing" a gun.
From BBC ● Jan. 28, 2026
He was brandishing an envelope with the speaker’s letterhead.
From New York Times ● Jan. 6, 2021
Officers claimed Reinoehl was brandishing a weapon but it isn’t clear whether he fired at police.
From Slate ● Sep. 13, 2020
Clarke, who was brandishing a knife when eight police officers arrived, had a tragic family history common in some Aboriginal communities.
From Washington Post ● Jun. 5, 2020
There were several breakages because I was brandishing the sword so clumsily.
From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke
