brandish

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to move or swing back and forth as in excitement or anger, especially a weapon

   They brandished the sword drunkenly.

2. 2
   verb

   to exhibit aggressively

   I had to brandish a sword to ward off intruders.

3. 3
   verb

   To move or swing a weapon back and forth, particularly if demonstrating anger, threat or skill.

   He brandished his sword at the pirates.

4. 4
   verb

   To bear something with ostentatious show.

   to brandish syllogisms

5. 5
   noun

   the act of waving

6. 6
   noun

   The act of flourishing or waving.

Etymology

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.