brandish
Americanverb (used with object)
noun
verb
noun
Other Word Forms
- brandisher noun
Etymology
Origin of brandish
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
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.
They also brandished placards emblazoned with various messages playing on the company's name, such as "Berliners Axed, Shareholders Flourishing" and "Budget Above Staff Futures?"
From Barron's
A woman swung open the door, brandishing a wooden spoon.
From Literature
There was speculation about the contents of a piece of paper he brandished during the visit to Oman, but so far no new date for talks has been set.
From Barron's
“Here we are,” Glory said, and pulled out a pair of jeans and a T-shirt that looked like a long-sleeved baseball shirt but instead of a team logo, there was a knight brandishing a sword.
From Literature
A man on a unicycle brandished a sign, inspired by J.R.R.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
