brandish

[ bran-dish ]

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

noun

1. a flourish or waving, as of a weapon.

brandish

/ ˈbrændɪʃ /

verb

1. to wave or flourish (a weapon) in a triumphant, threatening, or ostentatious way

noun

1. a threatening or defiant flourish

Derived Forms

• ˈbrandisher, noun

Other Word Forms

• brandish·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of brandish¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of brandish¹

C14: from Old French brandir , from brand sword, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German brant weapon

Example Sentences

The victim was brandishing a knife but not threatening anyone at the time of the shooting, according to prosecutors, who said the man was walking away when Chandler opened fire.

From Los Angeles Times

Many are still upset by what happened that night, and afraid that the threat of martial law could be brandished again by future zealous politicians.

From BBC

The president, brandishing a giant rectangular piece of card packed with the new tariff increases, unleashing waves of anxiety across factory floors, boardrooms and government ministries the world over.

From BBC

Referee Sam Barrott went immediately to his pocket and there could have been few complaints if he brandished a red card - but instead only a yellow was issued.

From BBC

Its officers approached a man matching that description, "who brandished a firearm", adding that shots were fired.

From BBC

Related Words

• flash
• trot out
• wield