brandish

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To wave or swing something, especially a weapon, in a threatening or excited way.

   He brandished his sword at the pirates.

2. 2
   verb

   To show something off boldly so that everyone notices it.

   She brandished her award in front of her rivals.

3. 3
   noun

   The act of waving or flourishing something.

   With a dramatic brandish of his hat, he greeted the crowd.

Common collocations

• brandish a weapon Verb + noun

From Middle English braundischen, from Old French brandiss-, stem of brandir (“to flourish a sword”), from Frankish *brandijan, from Frankish *brand (“firebrand; sword”), from Proto-Germanic *brandaz (“fire; flame; sword”), whence Old English brand (“firebrand; torch”); equivalent to brand + -ish. More at brand.

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